Randall "Randy" Joe Parker

He was raised with his big sister, Truddi. Randy always admired and looked up to her; they had an unbreakable bond, he would do anything for his big sis. When they were young they shared their first pet, a dog named Fleabite. This first friendship with Fleabite led Randy to discover that cats were also great company. He ultimately developed a lifelong love of cats and adopted many over his lifetime. Because Randy had no children these furry companions became his “children” and they included Zachary, Pepper, Joker, Samantha, Elliot, Fluffit, Carl and Eddie. He would even catch, obtain medical care for and release many feral cats as well.

As a young man, Randy developed a passion and skill for Golf which continued his whole life. He played many major courses in the United States, including Pebble Beach, CA (a favorite) and Augusta National, GA. He even took a trip to Fife, Scotland to play at the prestigious St. Andrews Old Course, which is one of the oldest and most acclaimed courses in the world. He said it was a difficult course to play because it was laid out with the rolling hills, but enjoyed the experience immensely.

Randy was married to Jane Zwanzig, but they grew apart as a couple and divorced after 20 years. However, they remained close friends until Jane passed in 2016. They continued to celebrate each other’s successes in life after they separated and she was the first person he called when he hit is first and only “Hole in One” during a golf game. It was the absolute proudest moment of his golfing achievements.

After high school Randy moved to Kansas City, Missouri and lived with his sister Truddi, brother-in-law Bill, and infant niece, while he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Missouri. Randy had many young adventures while living with them. He met his best friends “Eddie” and “Billy S.” at college during this time. It should be noted that Truddi had determine his friend Eddie was an OK fellow for Randy to hang out with but she observed he was highly unreliable when it came to making good choices. She put her faith in her little brother to be the responsible leader of the young men’s friend circle. How well was that trust placed? Well, there was the time Randy lost his keys one evening and while searching for them in the dark an officer identified him as a prowler. The officer escorted him to the door and asked Truddi and Bill if Randy belonged to them. He got a pass for that fumble. However, when Randy was left in charge of his infant niece, he decided he needed to run an errand…without the baby. He left his niece with his friend Eddie while he and “Billy S.” ran the errand. Truddi arrived back at the house before Randy and Billy, shocked to find Eddie “The Unreliable” caring for her infant daughter, alone. Eddie turned out to be the reliable, responsible young man who she kindly thanked. Randy and Billy S., however, got a stern raking over the coals and stink-eye for many months… later is was a story to laugh about. With a few exceptions his sister’s faith in him was well placed. Randy, however, learned a valuable lesson in responsibly with precious cargo.

After graduation he worked in the finance field until he completed his MBA in Finance at Avila University. He later became the Corporate Director for a major healthcare provider, traveling and moving to many states and foreign countries during his 13 years with them. He ultimately settled on Texas as his home state and later worked for a couple of small financial consulting firms. In 1998 Randy decided to go into business for himself and created his own financial consultant company. He became President of SEP Enterprises, Inc. where he worked until he retired.

Although work took Randy across the globe and he settled in Texas as his home base, he still loved to return to Kansas City, Missouri to visit his family and friends to have an evening dinner out at his favorite restaurant, Princess Gardens on Wornall Rd.

After a mild stroke, Randy was moved back to Missouri to be closer to family. In his last few years, he was a resident at The Madison, a senior retirement community in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed peacefully in his sleep on February 26, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Olen Parker and Marjorie Flo Constable, his sister Truddi N. Varner, his nephew Eric Stephen Varner. He was survived by his uncle JC and Ruth Parker of Topeka, KS, brother-in-law William (Bill) Varner of Kansas City, MO and his niece Lorraine (Lorrie) and Lee Zebel and great nephew Samuel, of Belton, MO and other family and friends.