David Franklin Randell

David Franklin Randell was born on November 10, 1950 to Franklin and Ethel Harrison Randell, and peacefully passed on August 15, 2026. He grew up in Houston, Texas where his childhood was full of church, work, fun and friendships. He graduated from Milby High School and the University of Houston with an English degree and was Editor of the University’s newspaper. Following his undergraduate degree, David worked in real estate and for the Conroe Daily News and Galveston Daily News. He then entered and graduated from Tulane University with a Juris Doctorate Degree. David then passed the Texas Law Bar allowing him to practice both in Louisiana and Texas. David opened a private law practice in Houston, Tx for a few years representing a school district on delinquent tax and commercial collections. He also litigated personal injury and family law. He then applied to the Office of the Attorney General of Texas (OAG) here in Austin in 1988 where he worked for 24 years as an Assistant Attorney General for Texas, and with the Dept. of Insurance for 4 years. He also represented cases for the largest settlement (up to that time) of $42.3 million in restitution for 21,000 policy holders of a major insurance company. In December 1992, David passed the board of Legal Specialization in the field of Civil Appellate Law. While with the OAG, the University of Texas Law School invited him to head the Law School’s Moot Court many times which he also felt was a highlight of his career. David also argued before the Supreme Court of Texas.

David drove a school bus of teenagers before and after school to earn money while at the University of Houston. A few years ago, he wrote a book entitled: “The Short Bus” about his experiences. Among David’s favorite memories was a Missionary trip with the First Baptist Youth Group to build a church for the community of Puerta Grande, Mexico with his brother Donnie and their friend Corky. David spoke French and Spanish fluently, or as he modestly said, “enough to stay out of trouble.” He and Michael enjoyed many sports together like camping with and separate from the Boy Scouts, hiking, boat fishing, sailing, scuba diving, Astros baseball, music, and Monday movie nights at Michael’s apartment. He was always open to new adventures. David also completed the Tennaco Marathon in 1987, and half Marathon in Austin. Anyone who knew David remembered his contagious belly laugh and remarkable sense of humor.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Polly of 42 years and son Michael David, brother Donnie Randell and wife Stephanie and son Jacob, sister-in-law Shirley Whitcomb, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents Franklin and Ethel Randell. He leaves behind devoted, long-standing friends. During his many hospital stays, we wish to thank St. David’s Hospital doctors and staff, and Polly’s friends, Janis and Guy Dawes, Mary Ann and Jim Wilson, Sue Ellen Jackson, Marion, Zuzu, Blaise and Cove Darbyshire, and a host of neighbors and friends who surrounded our family with love, faith and comfort.

(David’s favorite Haiku that Polly composed)

“Heart upon Heart”

As the Sun arose,

We rocked in the little boat,

Sweet hearts upon Heart.