Brandon R. Welch President

Brandon R. Welch, born in Ponca City, OK, and raised in Arkansas City, attended Arkansas City High School, Butler County Community College, Texas Tech University and Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. He returned to his hometown and joined the staff in September 1997 after serving his apprenticeship in Wisconsin. In July of 2007, Brandon bought into the funeral home and served Secretary/Treasurer of the company. On September 1, 2008 he bought the controlling interest of the funeral home and continues to operate the firm under local ownership. Brandon is a member Rotary International, President of the board for the Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce, past member of the Ark City Ambucs, past President of district 4, Kansas Funeral Directors Association, past Board Member of the Arkansas City Country Club, coaches little league sports, enjoys hunting, golf and is a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arkansas City. He married Jennifer J. (Snowden) in 1995 and they have three children, Lauren, Parker and Gabriel.

Robert L. Ferris Funeral Director

Robert L. Ferris is an Arkansas City native. Robert graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1981, Cowley College in 1983, and Central State University of Edmond, Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in funeral service in 1985. He returned to Arkansas City in the fall of 1989. Robert is a longtime member of the Central Christian Church and the Chalice Casting Company and the Ark City Community Theatre. Robert and his wife Kathleen have two children, Abbey and Ross.

David York Funeral Director

David A. York was born and raised in Arkansas City, attended Arkansas City High School, Cowley College, and Kansas City Community College. He returned to his hometown and joined the staff in December 2005. He served his apprenticeship with the firm and now is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. David enjoys golf, hunting, outdoors and all sporting events.

Karen K. Sparks Business Manager

Karen K. Sparks was born and raised in Arkansas City. Karen started working for Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in May of 2000. Before coming here, she was employed at the District Court of Cowley County for 24 years. Her spare time is spent enjoying her grandchildren, Jade, Peyton and Cale. At the funeral home, she handles the insurance claims and the bookkeeping along with the payroll.

Natalie Webb Office Manager

Natalie was born in Arkansas City. She graduated from the Arkansas City High School and attended Cowley College. She is married to David Webb, also an Arkansas City native, and he works for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railrway. Natalie has been empoyed in Arkanas City for many years until the couple was tranfered by the railway to Oklahoma for a short time. In November 2007 moved back to Arkansas City. She is currently the office manager and handles to register books information as well as our memorial program.

Karen Johnson Family Service Counselor

Karen was born in Temple, TX where her father was stationed in the Army. She was educated in the Tulsa area. Karen has been assisting families with their final wishes and advanced funeral planning since 1996. In 2007, she married Michael Johnson and moved to the area. Karen has four children. She was been with the funeral home since February 2008.

Ralph Keefe Funeral Director Assistant

Ralph in an Arkansas City native married to wife, Janice and they have two daughters. Ralph has owned and operated the John Deere implement in Arkansas City many years. He assists with funeral services and guides projects around the facility.

Dan Givens Funeral Director Assistant

Dan was born in Arkansas City and has worked for this community many years. Dan was a police officer and retired as the Chief of Police in the past few years. He is married to his wife, Vickie. The couple has two children. Dan is an avid golfer and very active in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Bernadine McLain Receptionist

Bernadine moved to Arkansas City from South Haven. She is very active with the Senior Center and Red Hat Ladies. Bernadine has a son and daughter, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildrean. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

© 2002 Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home and FuneralNet