Eugene Randall

Eugene Randall lived a long and full life. From his humble beginnings on their family farm in Lafayette County, Michigan, he worked hard to earn an education, raise his family and enjoy the fruits of a good life. With education a top priority in his life, Eugene went on to become a dedicated educator, who impacted thousands of young lives during his 32 years of teaching. With the end of the Great War, the year 1919 marked a time of change in American history, as young servicemen returned home from Europe to start their families amidst a booming post-war economy. Floyd Randall, a hard working farmer in Gratiot County, and his wife, Gertrude (Peet), were among the many expecting parents, and on November 7, 1919, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Eugene Alphonso. The Randalls were a very big family. Eugene was the sixth of twelve children, with six sisters: Thelma, Wanda, Edna, Maude, Evelyn and Vivian, and five brothers: Clifton, Floyd Jr., Milson, Richard and Frank. They all grew up on their familys 100-acre farm in the agriculturally rich area of Lafayette Township. Their parents made sure the kids learned responsibility by pitching in with all the farm chores. Sadly, the Randalls lost their farm during the Great Depression and moved back to their familys homestead. While Floyd worked at whatever job he could get, Gertrude hung wallpaper and worked as a midwife to help provide for the family. Gene received his education in the Breckenridge Community Schools. He played football in high school and was nicknamed Skinny Randall. He was an excellent student, and upon graduating from Breckenridge High, the Superintendent loaned him $300 so he could attend Central Michigan University. Aside from his studies, Gene worked at a gas station to help pay back the superintendents generous loan. Then, in 1942, Gene received his draft notice from the U.S. Army, and was shipped overseas to Europe. He proudly served with the 30th U.S. Army Division called Old Hickory and worked with the Field Telephone Unit. During a battle, Gene was seriously wounded and almost lost his life. He was quickly flown to England where he underwent surgery to remove shrapnel from his body. After recovering for six months, he was sent back to the states and received an honorable discharge in 1944. During this time, Gene was fostering a relationship with his sweetheart, Ilamae Green, through countless mushy love letters. He and Ilamae met in high school, although Gene was dating her older sister at the time. Gene and Ilamae eventually got together and spent their first date watching Gone with the Wind at the theater. Like Rhett Butler in the movie, Ilamae thought Gene was handsome as all get out. While Gene was still overseas, the two became engaged, and upon his return home, they were happily married at the Rathbone Methodist Church on January 14, 1945. As the newlyweds settled into married life together, Gene returned to Central Michigan University to complete his education while Ilamae worked at a local bank. After graduating from CMU, Gene began teaching in the Ithaca Public Schools and in time became a principal. In addition to his blooming career, he and Ilamae also expanded their family with the adoption of two wonderful children: Sue in 1953, and William in 1955. Gene was a good father, though a hard taskmaster. He always took an active role in his childrens lives and rarely missed one of their activities. His daughter Sue recalls warm memories of going fishing with her father on his time off. Over the next several years, the Randalls made several moves because of Genes work. In 1957, he became the Superintendent of the Kalkaska Public Schools, but left 2 years later to be the Superintendent in the Hart Public Schools. After 12 years in Hart, Gene took the Superintendent job in the Fruitport Public Schools and moved the family into a beautiful home on Trudy Drive, right on Spring Lake. He remained at Fruitport Schools until retiring in 1980. Over the years, Gene had continued to further his own education and earned his Masters and Education Specialist Degree from the University of Michigan. Outside his professional life as an educator, Gene enjoyed many activities, including playing golf, working in his garden and grooming his beautiful flowers. His happiest moments, however, always involved the time he spent with his precious family. While the kids were growing up, they took many great vacations to places around the Upper Peninsula or sailing the Milwaukee Clipper across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin. They also spent many holidays with their family in Gratiot County. After Gene retired, he and Ilamae began selling Shaklee products and were quite successful. Over the years, Gene was active in several organizations, including the Rotary Club, DAV and the Fruitport Lions Club, and he and Ilamae were faithful members of Fruitport Congregational U.C.C. The couple also bought a mobile home in Haines City, Florida, where they spent their winters for 14 years. Nothing pleased Gene and Ilamae more than being grandparents, and they loved to spend time with their grandkids whenever possible. They babysat on many occasions and enjoyed taking them on boat rides on the lake. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Gene and Ilamae took their entire family on a fun-filled Disney cruise aboard the Big Red Boat. Genes health began to decline about 3 years ago. He suffered a stroke in December 2006, and was tenderly cared for by his beloved Ilamae and granddaughters, Gena and Sarah After some time, Alzheimers set in and Gene was moved to Sierra Home, where he received wonderful care until he died on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the age of 88. Gene will be remembered for his dedication and pride in his profession, and his deep love and commitment to his family. He will be greatly missed. Gene is survived by his wife, Ilamae; son, William (Diana Burnham) Randall of Portage; daughter, Susan Shukis of Coopersville; 4 grandchildren: Gena Shukis, Julia Shukis, Sarah Randall, Benjamin Randall; sisters: Thelma Feith of Alma, Edna Howard of Breckenridge and Vivian Cornelius. Services for Eugene will be held on Friday, April 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Fruitport Congregational U.C.C. with Rev. Don Wood officiating. Friends and relatives may visit with Eugenes family on Thursday, April 17, from 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport and on Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fruitport Congregational U.C.C. Please visit Eugenes memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.