Randall K. Vang

Randall Kent Vang, a man defined by his love of family and his passion for sports and the outdoors passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and being a friend to everyone. Randy was born in Minden, Nebraska to Harvey and Ardelle Vang. He attended Minden schools through his elementary years before the family moved to Grand Island. He attended Walnut Junior High, and then Grand Island High where he met the love of his life Pamela Merten. At Grand Island High he became a star athlete, especially in football. Upon graduation in 1963 he was selected to play in the Nebraska Shrine Bowl. It was here that Wichita State University saw him and offered him a scholarship to play football collegiately. During his college years, in 1965, Randy and Pam were married. At this time, Randy joined the Army National guard and served for 16 years leaving with an honorable discharge. While serving he took a job with Learjet / Bombardier. He worked at Learjet for 35 years, eventually rising to the title of Director of Spare Parts. After retirement Randy became a full time substitute teacher in the Wichita School District, eventually running the learning center at East High School. It was also at this time he became the equipment manager for East football, helping his son Scott. He mentored many young men there and earned the nickname Papa Vang.

Randy loved hunting, fishing, and playing cards. His greatest joy was watching and/or coaching his sons and later, grandkids in sports. After fully retiring at 70, he devoted his time to Goddard High School to help with the football program again with Scott, although it's more likely, it was to spend more time with his grandkids. Known as Bumpa to his grandkids, he loved celebrating with them when they won and being there loving them up when things did not go well. He became a fixture on the sideline and in the stands at all of his grandkids games. Still known as Papa Vang to the players, he continued to mentor young men and created lasting friendships with many of them. His greatest pride was watching all these young people grow into successful adults. He was also an avid fan of the University of Kansas (where 2 of his sons played football, Pete and Shawn), the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Randy is survived by his wife Pam and 3 sons, Scott and Kari Jo, Pete and Tara, and Shawn and Tara. He also left behind 12 grandkids, Jake(Sydney), Tucker(Taylor), Maxie(Sarah), Reece, Luke(Hailey), Tate(Jennica), AJ(Bayley), Torri, Iva, Shae, Ava, and Cash. He is survived by his brother Kendall Vang, sister Patty Morris, brother-in-law Larry Wiegert, and sister-in-law Gayle Hahn. Randy also had 5 great grandchildren: Sawyer, Noah, Finnley, Cohen, and Bear, with more on the way. He was preceded in death by his brother Raymond, sister Judy, sister Karen, and brother-in-law Larry.

A Visitation with family will be held Friday, April 3, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Hwy 54, Wichita, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Pathway Church Westlink, 2001 N Maize Rd, Wichita, KS 67212. Please send all flowers to Pathway.