Ernest Baylor Randle

Ernest Baylor Randle, lovingly known as Baylor, born in 1928, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, just shy of his 97th birthday. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend whose faith, humor, and wisdom enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Baylor was blessed with 75 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Janet Randle. Together they raised three daughters, Deborah Boyd, Linda McBee (deceased), and Patty (Pat) Randle. His unwavering commitment to family and faith was evident in the love, guidance, and example he provided throughout his life.

He attended Trinity University before beginning a professional career that spanned more than 42 years with the San Antonio Light Newspaper, where his colleagues admired not only his professionalism but also his ability to bring laughter and wisdom to every conversation.

Baylor’s lifelong passion for aviation began as a teenager when he worked a paper route to pay for flying lessons. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951–1952 with the 182nd Fighter Bomber Squadron in Korea and later piloted WWII-era planes with the Alamo Liaison Squadron at Cannon Field. He was honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for over 50 years of safe flying and participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., visiting the nation’s memorials in recognition of his service.

Outside of aviation, Baylor enjoyed antique car clubs, restoring and driving his Model T and Model A cars. He and Janet shared a love of travel as members of the Renegade Motor Home Club, exploring the country, making lifelong friends, and creating unforgettable memories.

Those who knew Baylor will remember his sharp humor, endless curiosity, and legendary skill at fixing just about anything. His stories and laughter could light up a room, and his wisdom—always offered with kindness—was sought after by many. Baylor’s life was marked by love, adventure, service, and faith, and his spirit will continue to guide and inspire his family and friends, who take comfort knowing he is at peace in the eternal embrace of his Creator.

Baylor is survived by his loving wife, Janet Randle; daughters, Deborah Boyd (William “Bill” – deceased), Pat Randle (partner, Kyle Cole); and his son-in-law, Charles McBee, and nephew David Kumpf. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jennifer Herbsleb (husband, Curtis), William “BJ” Boyd (wife, Jennifer), Bobby McBee (wife, Kaytlin), and Tracey Dicks (husband, Austin), as well as his great-grandchildren: Garett Cortez, Austin Herbsleb (wife, Emily), Kyle Herbsleb, Reed Dicks, and Maryn Dicks. Baylor was preceded in death by (father, Ernest Preston “Big Daddy” Randle), (mother, BT Davis Randle), (sister, Martha Lynn Kumpf), (brother-in-law, Kenneth Kumpf), (daughter, Linda McBee).

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue, San Antonio at 3:30 – 5:00 pm.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10:00 am, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX with Air Force Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charities below, or to a charity of your choice: Sunshine Cottage (School for deaf children): https://sunshinecottage.org/donate/ Cannon Field Airport: https://als-cannonfield.com/ Tunnel to Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/donate/ Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate