Royal Thornton Hardeman Iii

From the moment he entered the world, Royal Thornton Hardeman III, affectionately known as RT, stole our hearts with his gentle heart, courageous spirit, charming smile, and crisp hairline. Born on June 5, 1992, in San Diego, RT was a true son of California as his affection towards Nipsey Hussle, the Los Angeles Chargers, and USC Trojans knew no limits.

Upon moving to Kansas City, Mo, RT would attend schools in the Greater Kansas City area, graduating from Shawnee Mission South in 2011. RT would further his education at Johnson County Community College.  RT was employed with Ford Motor Company where he was well regarded by his colleagues. His previous positions include U.S. Bank, Footlocker, and Price Choppers. RT was a member of Cherokee Nation, the largest tribal nation in the country.

A true gentle giant, RT had a soothing presence, a peaceful demeanor, and a protective spirit. Make no mistake, at any given moment when he entered a room, a joke was soon to follow. The true party starter of all family events as everyone looked forward to him gracing us with his presence.

A lover of life, he enjoyed traveling, music, dominoes, sending funny social media commentary, reading, and lovingly harassing his family and friends. A deep thinker, RT did not shy away from engaging in conversations on a multitude of topics that ranged from sports to current social matters.

A man of big dreams and on the path of walking into his destiny, he would answer and accept an offer that he could not refuse on June 29, 2021, a ticket into the Kingdom of Heaven. While his untimely departure has left us in a place of sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that he is not alone as he is with the giants who preceded him.

Preceding him in death, his sister, Crenisha, maternal grandmothers, Lilly Gorham-Taylor and Emilie Ollivierre, maternal great grandmother, Mary Gorham, maternal great grandfather, Raleigh Ben Gorham, and godmother, Geraldine Beaubian.

He leaves to cherish his memory and to forever remain in our hearts, parents, Cheryl and Terence St. John; daddy, Royal (Tracey) Hardeman Jr.; grandfathers Edward Reed and Royal (Wanda) Hardeman Sr.; grandmother, Linda Hardeman; sisters, Chamene Woods, Chanee Anderson, and Roshauna (Michael) Clarke; brothers, Keyone St. John, Christopher Harris, Richard Lucas III, and Raschon Hardeman; aunts, Carolyn Gorham, Chandra Gorham, Diahann (Al Noble Sr) Hambrick, Lisa Ollivierre, Karren Parker, and Juanita Hardeman; uncles Christopher (Yolanda) Gorham, and Corey Gorham; special niece and nephew Zhaleh Williams and Jeremiah Carter; god sisters, The Beaubian sisters, and a host of nephews, cousins, great uncles, great aunts, and friends.

While RT will be tremendously missed, we know that his absence from this body means he is present with the Lord. Until we meet again, we love you, rest well, and we will see you again.