Kevin Kenneth Schlarb

Kevin Kenneth Schlarb of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023.  He was 58 years old.  He was born on October 15, 1964 in Coshocton, Ohio to Kenneth and Karma Schlarb who were loving parents and shaped him into the great man he was.  He was a wonderful son, beloved brother, cherished husband, an amazing dad, and genuinely great person. 

Kevin grew up on a beautiful farm in Ohio and attended Ridgewood High School.  He graduated in 1983.  At Ridgewood, he had many friends and was loved by all.  He played basketball and ran cross country and track. He held the 1 mile record there for almost 20 years.

Kevin attended The Ohio State University and his love for the Buckeyes was unmatched.  He loved college football and followed Ohio State recruiting closely.  Some of his happiest moments were when the Buckeyes won the National Championships and was in attendance at the game in 2002.  He was known for proudly wearing his OSU gear nearly every day he wasn’t working.   

After graduating college in 1987 with a Logistics degree, Kevin moved to Lawrence, Kansas to begin his career in Corporate Retail at Payless ShoeSource.  He grew to be a well-respected executive known for his integrity, sound business decisions, and caring nature towards his employees.  He was a great mentor who gave sound advice to many in their career and personal lives.  He took an interest in anyone who needed the time.  Kevin was a part of many important projects at Payless but notably was an integral part of the International Team opening the first stores in Canada, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.  In 2015, Kevin left Payless and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona with his family to work at the Corporate Office of PetSmart.  In his recent years, Kevin worked as a Retail Consultant with Columbus Consulting. 

Kevin met his wife, Bonnie, when she moved to Kansas and began working at Payless ShoeSource in 1995.  They soon began dating and were married on August 28^th, 1999.  They built a life they cherished and shared a special and unique love.  They have 3 amazing children, Natalie (19), Nathan (17) and Tyler (17).  Kevin’s family was his greatest joy – even surpassing his beloved Buckeye football.  He was so proud of each of them and loved being involved in anything his kids were doing.  Most recently that involved attending sorority events with Natalie, Cross Country and Track meets with Nathan and Volleyball tournaments with Tyler. 

Kevin is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Karma Schlarb, and his father and mother-in-law Roy Sr. and Peggy Banes.  He is survived by his wife Bonnie of 24 years, daughter Natalie and twin sons Nathan and Tyler, his brother Keith Schlarb and wife Cindy, his sister Karen Pergola and husband John, his cousin Edward Zinkon and wife Bambi, and many other loving aunts, uncles and cousins, Sister-in-law Lynn Stewart, Brother-in-Law Roy Banes Jr and wife Morgen, Sister-in-Law Terri Tucker, Sister-In-Law Audrey Banes, Brother-in-Law Gary Banes and Sister-in-Law Julie Dreiling and husband Craig, along with his nieces and nephews; TJ, Carrie and Kole Kadri, Evan Schlarb, Jonathan, Lauren and Sadie Schlarb, Nicole, Matt, Emma and Ben Kost, Sam, Bridget, John Paul and Maryn Stewart, Cody Banes, Courtney, Jesse and Murphy Banes-Butts, Valerie and Jackson Elkins, Lauren Tucker and son Asher, Trey Tucker, Addie, Elle and Ainsley Banes, Jett, London, and Baylor Dreiling.

Kevin was an amazing man.  He was genuine, joyful, patient, and goofy – always giving his family and friends a good laugh.  He was a caring, loving husband and a sweet, giving father and Godfather.  He was a mentor to many and always took the time for those who needed him.  Kevin had a strong faith that was very personal to him and he loved the school and church communities that his family was a part of.  He was greatly loved and will forever be missed by all who knew him – until one day we see him again.