Randolph Leland Smith

Randy was born in Illinois to Leland and Hildred (Hall) Smith (deceased). His younger years was spent moving with his family as his dad was active-duty Army/Air Corp; these moves included living in Germany right after World War II and Alaska before it was a state. While in Alaska he did a lot of fishing and hunting with his mom and dad. Randy is unique in that he has two high school diplomas. He was caught in an 11-year school system making his first graduation in Alaska at 16. His second diploma was from Reseda HS in California. Randy was an avid reader who had a book in his hand most of the time. He loved all kinds of books, but his favorite topic was the Civil War and any military history book.

Randy was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army after graduating as an aeronautical engineer from what is now California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. He also graduated from New Mexico State University with an MBA then followed by teaching military history at the college while part of the ROTC military staff. What was unique was that his military history class was cross-referenced as a history class for any student to take for history credit. While at NMSU he was selected to the rank of Lt. Col., at which rank he later retired at. Randy was proud of the fact that when he retired, he had lived in 48 different places. While in the military Randy had two tours in Vietnam (the first tour was with the 199th

Infantry Brigade during TET!) He also had tours in Germany and Korea and several tours in the states. While in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star, and he earned several military ribbons and medals.

After retiring from the military, he began a second career at Pueblo Diversified Industries. In his career at PDI he wore many hats, including marketing, and ended up as the Director of Finance and Quality Manager. During this time, he achieved getting his Certified Quality Auditor Certification and was also a member of the American Society for Quality, an organization in which he was very proud to be part of. After his retirement from PDI Randy was elected to serve on their board.

Randy and Joann were active in their church wherever they lived, from teaching Sunday School to attending interpreted church services; being transportation to single servicemen wanting to go to church; and having their VW bus used for Sunday School. Later in life Randy served on the deacon board of their church. He dearly loved the old hymns that were very much part of his life.

Randy’s passion was reading, computers and picture taking. He kept our family well photographed, and our walls covered by pictures of family, friends and some interesting pictures you get to guess at. He has passed on his love of covering the walls with pictures to some family and friends. It was a joy for him to pass on his passion to others. Randy, Joann, Gary and Elaine took several trips together and had lots of fun. Sometimes one of their kids or a second set of kids joined them. They even managed to go camping together a couple of times. The laughter never ended.

Randy will always be remembered for his kindness, and his laughter. He loved to tell the story of him driving a truck below 0 temperatures while his brother-in-law threw hay at cows. He thought he was going to freeze. Randy was an only child and was quickly adopted by Joann’s family when they married. Randy and Joann celebrated 59 years of marriage in January. Along the way there was joy, lots of laughter and a few tears.

Two kids rounded out the family; Karron and Andy. Randy was so proud of his kids. Two more kids (Chad and Kristi) joined the family later, then three little girls came along (Juliana, Brooke and Allegra). He was so proud of those “little” girls who now have grown into beautiful young ladies.

Proceeding him are his parents (Hildred who died in childbirth) and Leland P. Smith; stepmother, Alice Jorgensen; and parent-in-laws, Dick and Edna Mae Goodwin and grandparents from both sides of the family; and several cousins in Illinois. A loving aunt, Eileen Matott, who introduced Randy and Joann (with a blind date). After nine days Randy popped the question that shocked everyone! Three months later they were married.

Survived by his loving wife, Joann; daughter Karron, husband Chad Heaton and daughter Brooke. Son Andy, wife Kristi Johnson-Smith, and daughters Juliana and Allegra. Brother-in-law Gary and wife Elaine Goodwin. Niece, Gaylene Martinez (Derek) and families. Nephew, Greg Goodwin (Jeni) and families. Special friends Jim and Carolyn Rumsey and Karen Lillie and Tom Drolshagen.

Randy had a quiet, gentle spirit, and will be missed by all who knew him.