Mr. Randall "Randy" Steele Shawell

Randall Steele “Randy” Shawell passed away on Monday afternoon, the 17th of October 2011, after a brief, but brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on the 20th of March 1932 in Orange, New Jersey, to William Jerome Shawell and Beverly Kerr Shawell.

Randy was predeceased by his parents and oldest son, the late Cameron Kerr Shawell. He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Nancy Costanzo Shawell; his children: Randa Shawell Weiner and husband K. C.; Ragan Menard Shawell and wife Christi; and Leslie Shawell Niermeyer; grandchildren: Randi Shawell (Cohen), Rylee Steele Shawell, Cameron Kane Weiner, Caden Everett Shawell, and Kirby Carole Niermeyer. He also leaves his sister Sandy Fortney; brother, Kerry Shawell and wife Amanda; sister, Sherry Bettis and husband Michael; and a large extended family.

Randy moved to Houston at age 2, where he attended school, graduating from Lamar High School in 1950. As a student at The University of Texas, Randy was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and earned his Bachelor of Business degree in Marketing in 1954.

Upon returning to Houston, Randy worked briefly as a Landman for Christie, Mitchell & Mitchell. He then spent 3 years as a stockbroker before deciding that the oil and gas industry was his true passion. For more than 50 years, Randy had been actively involved in oil and gas exploration. He founded and operated 2 successful companies, Salt Grass Exploration, Inc. in 1979 and Menard Energy Corp. in 1993.

Also a real estate broker, Randy spent many hours travelling throughout the Texas Hill Country searching for the perfect ranch and weekend retreat. He loved the Hill Country where he owned and improved several ranches over the last 30 years and spent most weekends with his family. He liked the role of “weekend rancher” and especially enjoyed his Longhorn cattle and his Yellow Labrador Retrievers: Travis, Bowie and Medina. He also enjoyed spending time every summer in Aspen, Colorado, with many dear friends and family.

Randy had a lifelong interest in Texas History and was very proud of his Texas heritage. His maternal grandparents were descendents of early Texas settlers to Galveston and Houston, including Michel B. Menard, one of the founders of the city of Galveston and signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Randy loved all sports and spent a great deal of time attending many college and professional sporting

events. He had a special affinity for the University of Texas Longhorn football program and was a lifetime member of the “200 Horns Club” and the Texas Longhorn Education Foundation. He was also a member of the Chancellor’s Council of the University of Texas and the Littlefield Society of the University of Texas.

Randy lived a life of immeasurable fullness and adventure. He adored his wife, Nancy, and he loved and devoted himself to his family and many friends. He stood out among them as a man who was highly respected and deeply loved, and he will be missed by them all. He was an admired and straightforward businessman , a tireless traveler, a witty companion and avid outdoorsman.

The family is most grateful for the loving care and friendship of Elizabeth Waiyaki, and the caring professionals at Houston Hospice.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 21st of October, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr., Rector, is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced during the service.

Prior to Friday's service, the family will have gathered for a private inurnment at the Garden of the Cross at St. Martin's Episcopal Church.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Randy's memory may be directed to the St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 717 Sage Rd., Houston, TX, 77056; Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030; M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030; or to the charity of one's choice.