Ira Louden

Ira Randel Louden of Carrollton, KY, died on Saturday, August 28, 2021 in Louisville, KY.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years; Cookie Louden, three sons; Mark (Teresa), Michael (Stephanie) and Jeff (Sarah), five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, a sister; Carol Shelton and a brother, Dwight Louden.  He was preceded in death by his parents; W.J. and Mabel Louden.

He was a 1962 graduate of Carrollton High School and went onto to the University of Kentucky majoring in TV Art and Radio.

Ira served as a deacon and elder, since 1983, at the Carrollton Christian Church – Disciples of Christ.  He played various parts in the church’s production of “The Last Supper.”

He served as a magistrate for Carroll County Fiscal Court, representing the Third District from 1998 – 2002.  He previously served as the “business gifts” Chairman for the Heart Fund, Co-Chairman of the Carroll County Tobacco Festival and President of the Carroll County Jaycees.  Ira made a lot of couples happy having performed about 500 weddings.

Ira was a performer and loved to act and tell stories.  He acted the lead role as Tevye in “Fiddler On The Roof.”  He was instrumental in productions like, “They Came Through Here,” “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “Gold Dust,” “The Point In Time,” “Where Two Rivers Meet,” “Boating In The Ohio,” “Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.”  In “Doctor, Doctor,” he performed five different accents.  He also appeared in two “Gong” shows, two “Womanless Weddings,” and the “Follies” with his sister, Carol, where he sang and danced.  Writing stories and poetry was dear to Ira.  With an imagination like no other, those stories and poems were fun to read and greatly enjoyed by many with everyone looking forward to his next work of art.

Tap dancing was probably what Ira was best known for.  He and his brother, Dwight would tap dance together.  Even after twenty years of not dancing together, they never missed a step.  Ira won many dance contests and appeared on T.V. often.  His singing voice was beautiful and often sang in church specials.  Accompanied by his son Mark on the guitar, he once sang “Mary Did You Know?”  Ira sang at many weddings and of course in “Fiddler On The Roof.”

Ira never met a stranger, he loved everyone and everyone loved him.  He loved to make people laugh and always managed to have a smile on his face.  He will be truly missed by all.

The family would like to suggest that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to: Carrollton Christian Church – Disciples of Christ, 310 Fifth Street, Carrollton, KY 41008 or in care of Tandy-Eckler-Riley Funeral Home, 809 Highland Avenue, Carrollton, KY  41008.

Tandy-Eckler-Riley Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at: www.tandyecklerrileyfuneralhome.com