Funeral services for Randal (Randy) Lance Pistole, 48, of Holland will be held at 11:00 AM Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with a visitation starting at 10 AM at the church located at 3909 Ermine Trail, Temple, Texas 76504.
Randal Lance Pistole was born October 3, 1973 in Austin, TX to Donnie Garland Pistole, Sr. and Lynda Sue Boepple Pistole. Raised in Spicewood, on the Pedernales River, surrounded by many childhood friends, Randy spent his days hunting, fishing, playing football, and riding dirt bikes. At Lake Travis High School, Randy played football (often both offense and defense) and ran track (holding an unbroken school record for the 200 meter hurdles for over 2 decades).
He and Melissa met the summer before her freshman year, and they were nearly inseparable from then on. They were married for eternity in the Dallas LDS Temple on August 19, 1995, and then moved to Holland after Melissa’s graduate school, twenty-four years ago. They had 4 beautiful children together, and the family spent their time country dancing, traveling, fishing, hunting, and attending all the kids’ activities together.
There, he owned and operated Top Gun Taxidermy as a renowned and gifted artist, for many years. His skill was unmatched, and quickly earned him accolades from loyal customers, and other taxidermists. Randy made many dear friends over the years at his shop with his warm smile, witty humor, and friendly ways.
Randy was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as youth leader to many beloved young men over the years. One of his favorite volunteer positions was as a little league Baseball coach, where he loved inspiring those little athletes and nothing thrilled him more than a good game.
Randy suffered from a cardiac arrest in the fall of 2019 that left his body unable to do any of the things he loved. He wasn’t one to give up, and fought long and hard for over 2 years, hoping for improvement in his quality of life. To no avail, Randy passed through the veil of mortality on December 28, 2021 at home, surrounded by his family. Survivors include his wife Melissa Kay Pistole three sons Cullen Pistole (and his wife, Morgan), Jarrett Pistole (and his wife, Zion) and Bryson Pistole; one daughter Kimber Pistole; his niece Alexis Dempsey; his mother Lynda Sue Pistole; three sisters Katherine Davis, Jackie Kirkes, and Shelly Pistole.
Randy was a man among men; and one of a kind. No one will ever replace him in our hearts and lives. We hold fast to the hope of reunion with him in the eternal realms above, and we praise God for the gift of having Randy in our lives for every moment he was with us.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Scanio-Harper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.