Michael Kenneth Randall

Michael Kenneth Randall – loving husband, proud father, beloved son, treasured brother, and loyal friend – passed away peacefully and too soon, surrounded by his wife and children on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the age of 55, as a result of complications suffered while fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Mike was born on October 17, 1967, in Columbus, Ohio, as the only son to father, Dennis Michael Randall, and mother, Sally Ann Randall.  The middle of three children, Mike graduated from Gahanna-Lincoln High School in 1986 and immediately started work at the family concrete-paving business, Randall & O’Reilly.

In 1992, Mike married his devoted wife of 31 years, Cristina Louise Randall, who he affectionately referred to as “Wife”.  Cristina and Mike shared the same silly sense of humor and were inseparable through a life filled with joy and laughter and, unfortunately, too much illness. Mike adored his family. His three children – Patrick, Katherine, and Maggie were the delight of his life.  He was the upholder of traditions and the family photographer.  As he was with photography, Mike was naturally talented at nearly every endeavor, not the least of which was playing pool.

Mike’s Fargo Rating (statistical measure of pool proficiency) was 621.  He competed on a BCA Ohio State-winning pool team in 2018 and scored second place in Singles.  He competed in Las Vegas each year in the BCA Pool League World Championships.  In 2023, Mike placed top 40 in the 9-ball Singles Platinum division.  Cristina could always identify Mike on pool tournament livestreams by looking for his generously bowed legs.  The pool community provided tremendous support and friendship to him throughout the past two challenging years. 

Unabashedly passionate about his hobbies, Mike had an innate curiosity and could often be found watching the History Channel, Military Channel or researching the latest gadgets and technology.  He appreciated all things outdoors, whether it be kayak fishing with Patrick, camping, or mowing the yard.  Maggie and Mike watched every horror movie together and were equally terrified.  He was a lover of animals and was the favorite human for most of his dogs:  Riley, Duffy, Finn and grand-puppy Luna.  He was a huge Formula One fan, rooting for the Red Bull team and sporting an extensive iRacing setup in the family basement.  Everywhere he went, Mike picked up new friends.  He never met a stranger. Those close to Mike are too numerable to mention, but he particularly valued his childhood friends who have been like brothers:  Scott Marcum, Scott Messer, and Dave Roush.

Mike and Cristina quoted all the same movie lines.  There was a joke he loved and tried to tell but he found it so funny he could never finish.  He always had the best portable speaker and blasted his eclectic taste in music for friends and family; Aerosmith was a favorite.  He often threatened to haunt his loved ones if “Dream On” was not played at his funeral.  It will be played at calling hours. He was known to blurt out the Biz Markie song, “Just a Friend” with Katherine, to make everyone (including himself) laugh.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis.  He is survived by his wife Cristina, children Patrick, Katherine (Daylon Turner), and Maggie.  He is also survived by his mother Sally, and sisters Patty Williams (Steve) and Peggy Stassen (Shane), father-in-law Jack (Harriett) Messer, sisters-in-law April Wheeler (Mark), Lisa Poling (Scott), and brother-in-law Scott Messer (Pam).  He will be terribly missed by his many nieces, nephews, great- nieces, and great-nephews.

Friends may call at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. BROAD ST. 2-4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m., Prayer Service 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 19, at Saint Patrick Church, 280 N. Grant Avenue, Columbus. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mike’s name to the The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.  Mike’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and staff at The James, especially Dr. Kevin Ho, Elizabeth Schumm, NP, and Dr. Sam Penza.   

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