Willis "Randy" S. Randall

Willis “Randy” Sherman Randall was born October 26, 1923 to Sherman Randall and Sabella Evans Randall in Piedmont, Missouri. He spent his early years in the Piedmont area, and then relocated with his parents to Albuquerque, New Mexico during his teen years. He had returned to St. Louis, Missouri when he was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1943. He served 3 years in the Army earning the rank of staff sergeant. During his time in the Army, he was trained as a weather observer. He spent the last years of World War II serving in the Pacific Islands.

After his discharge, he sought a new career opportunity using his military training. A friend told him of job openings in the U.S. Weather Bureau, now the NOAA Weather Service. He applied for an opening in Grand Junction, Colorado, but was offered a position in Colorado Springs when the other opening did not materialize. While working in the Weather Bureau, he met Marian “Marvel” Randall who worked as an air traffic controller in the airport tower and flew planes in her free time. In 1950, Randy and Marvel were married at the First Methodist Church in Colorado Springs. They were married for 57 years until Marvel’s passing in December 2007.

They raised four children in Colorado Springs and had numerous friends in the area. They were members of the Grace Presbyterian Church for nearly 60 years. Randy’s favorite pastime was spending time in the mountains. Fishing was his passion and he was always ready to talk fishing and boats. Randy and Marvel spent many happy days on the lakes and streams of Colorado. As grandchildren came, eventually 7 grandsons and 2 granddaughters, and a grand daughter-in-law, they spent many happy hours closer to home. Randy made his final fishing trip to Antero Reservoir on July 9, 2009, a special surprise from his sons.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Viola Bohnenkamp, an infant son, and his loving wife Marvel Randall. He is survived by four children including son and daughter-in-law Owen and Chanda Randall of Ft. Collins, Colorado, daughter and son-in-law Michael and Thalia Randall Gelbs of Katy, Texas, son and daughter-in-law Alan and Andrea Randall of Las Vegas, Nevada and son and daughter-in-law Nathan and Paula Randall of Colorado Springs. His entire family was able to share a final weekend with him just prior to his passing.

Memorial services will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 10 am. Pastor Richard Fite will conduct the ceremony. Burial will be at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.