Randall Joe Gitthens

Randall Joe Gitthens, age 61, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 1, 2021, after a vicious attack of Covid. On July 5, 1959, after an exciting Fourth of July, Randy was born the youngest child, to the late Betty Jo (Parker) and Victor Louis “Buck” Gitthens, in Edmond, OK.

The first years of life, Randy spent with his family in Oklahoma City. Being the baby brother to three older sisters developed his wonderful, charming, easy-going personality. He also spoke fondly of attending OU games with his dad, when he was a teenager.

Randy was a 1977 graduate of John Marshall High School, in Oklahoma City. He studied Business Management at Oklahoma State University and Central State University. Randy started work in the oil and gas industry in Oklahoma City. After a few years, Randy struck out on a new path, moved to Colorado Springs, started his aviation training, and met Donna in 1990. After flying freight and corporate jets for several years, he attained his dream job as a First Officer pilot at Southwest Airlines in 2005; and then advanced to Captain in 2014. The love of flying drew Randy and Donna together, while he was her flight instructor in Colorado Springs. They married and raised two children, Reina Scott and Mark, and had thirty years of love together. Randy was devoted to his family, and always held his wife and both children very dear to his heart.

Preceding him in death is his father Buck in 1977, his mother Betty in 2019, and his eldest sister Vicki in 2020.Randy is survived by his adoring wife, Donna (Meyer Cowell) Gitthens; children Reina Scott Gitthens (wife Laura Steed), and Mark Gitthens; his sisters Debra Bailey (husband Greg), Becky Vaught (husband “easy money” Steve), and brother-in-law Rick Randall; and many family and friends. His family already heart-achingly miss him, and wish him a joyful reunion with God and many passed family and friends. Here’s to grand adventures with God, my love.

*A memorial service is now scheduled for:

Thursday April 29th, at 1pm (cst);

Bethany United Methodist,

10010 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78750;

512-258-6017

Livestream Info:

available thru the church facebook page or church youtube channel. The links are below. I'm told the video will be on these sites for a few months.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9YENSXaRY6TBe_ZC6eTCkw/videos

or

https://www.facebook.com/bethanyumc/

The church has guidelines for social distancing, and masks will be required, unless our times change before then. The service will also be live-streamed for those not able to attend in person.

**All are invited to a backyard reception at my home, immediately following the service, with light food and beverage. I'm hoping to be cheered with your sweet smiles, hugs, and lots of fun Randy stories at the reception!

John 14

1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

“Keep your eyes on me” Matthew 14:29-31

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”