Staff

Our dedicated staff are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.

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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 was the past President of Rotary International, past president of the board for the Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Kansas Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. In his spare time Brandon enjoys flying,watching younghest son play sports, hunting, fishing, and golf. He has three children, Lauren, Parker and wife, Michela and Gabriel.

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David A. York Manager/Funeral Director davidyork@rindt-erdman.com

David A. York was born and raised in Arkansas City, attended Arkansas City High School, Cowley College, and Kansas City Kansas 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 has a one daughter. He enjoys hunting, fishing, all sporting events, spending time at the lake, and being outdoors.

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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.

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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 and daily transactions for the business.

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Susan Paton Memorial Manager/Reception

Susan was born in Clifton Kansas and graduated high school and later business college in Salina Kansas. She was married to Alan Paton who is an Ark City native and worked for General Electric. She joined our team in April 2010 after working twenty-five years at local bank. Susan has three grown children and six grandchildren. She currently takes care of our register books and memorial program.

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Patty Brown Reception

Patty serves as the night reception and visitation receptionist. She also interacts with families with tribute videos and and service bulletins. Patty has two grown children.

Brandon R. Welch

President
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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 was the past President of Rotary International, past president of the board for the Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Kansas Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. In his spare time Brandon enjoys flying,watching younghest son play sports, hunting, fishing, and golf. He has three children, Lauren, Parker and wife, Michela and Gabriel.

David A. York

Manager/Funeral Director
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David A. York was born and raised in Arkansas City, attended Arkansas City High School, Cowley College, and Kansas City Kansas 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 has a one daughter. He enjoys hunting, fishing, all sporting events, spending time at the lake, and being outdoors.

Dan Givens

Funeral Director Assistant
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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.

Karen K. Sparks

Business Manager
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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 and daily transactions for the business.

Susan Paton

Memorial Manager/Reception
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Susan was born in Clifton Kansas and graduated high school and later business college in Salina Kansas. She was married to Alan Paton who is an Ark City native and worked for General Electric. She joined our team in April 2010 after working twenty-five years at local bank. Susan has three grown children and six grandchildren. She currently takes care of our register books and memorial program.

Patty Brown

Reception
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Patty serves as the night reception and visitation receptionist. She also interacts with families with tribute videos and and service bulletins. Patty has two grown children.