Obituary of John Randolph

John E. Randolph died Sunday, October 20, 2013 in Idabel, OK. He suffered a long illness with bravery and courage. He was a good and honorable man. John was born at home in Idabel on December 4, 1929 to Delbert S. Randolph and Beatrice (Weems) Randolph. He graduated from Idabel High School in 1947 where he was an outstanding student. John was an early business man even as a boy. He worked and saved his money and bought cattle and swine that he showed through the FFA program. He was recognized for his leadership and knowledge of livestock and pasture by the Idabel School. He won many awards for the school system. He attended the Oklahoma State University in 1949 and was an excellent student in Agriculture. He was in the National Guard and in a leadership position in ROTC at OSU. He chose to serve his country in the U. S. Air Force in 1951. He received special training in the Medical Division at Andrews Air Force Base. He received an early Honorable Discharge in order to help his mother who was dying of cancer. After his family was taken care of, he continued his studies at OSU. John married Mary Mally Crow in 1954 and they established a home east of Idabel in the Denison Community. John managed the McCurtain Hardware until it sold. He worked as a Highway Surveyor under a federal program and continued his interest in agriculture and livestock. John worked for the United States Post Office for 30 years and received an “Outstanding Performance Award” for his service. John developed a cattle ranch east of Idabel as well as grew great vegetable gardens. He had a green thumb and a passion and talent for growing things. John worked his ranch and gardens as long as he was physically able to do so. He and Mally were recognized as the “Farm Family of the Year” in 1974. John enjoyed spending time with family, hunting, fishing, reading, gardening, and playing golf. After he sold the ranch, golf became his second passion. He played golf as many days as the weather and Mally allowed. Reading became his third passion. He read the Wall Street Journal and the Daily Oklahoman every day. He was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching basketball and football. He had played football at Idabel Gray High School under Woodrow Holman. John loved to collect old tools and items that would always be valuable. He enjoyed attending yard sales to look for them. He was a true collector and had a gift for finding worthy and beautiful things for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents. John helped care for his parents during their illnesses. He shaved and took care of his father for five years in the nursing home. He was a wonderful husband to his wife, Mally, and a loving father to his two daughters. He was a very proud grandfather to his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Mally (Crow) Randolph of the home; two daughters and one son-in-law, Johnna Kay Randolph of Columbia, SC and Julie Bea Randolph Miller and husband, Terry, of Gig Harbor, WA; two grandchildren, Haley Randolph Miller and Harrison Randolph Miller of Tacoma, WA; three brothers, Delbert Randolph of Carrolton, TX, Paul Randolph of Tyler, TX and Robert Randolph and his wife, Sue, of Urbandale, IA; several cousins, nieces, one nephew, other relatives and a host of friends. A “Celebration of His Life” is being planned for Saturday, October 26th at 11:00 a.m. at the White Family Chapel. Rev. David Mercer will officiate. John chose cremation so visitation will be directly after the service or in the home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in his memory to the First Baptist Church or the First United Methodist Church in Idabel.