Randal Kieth Hobbs, son of the late Lloyd and Virginia (Thomas) Hobbs, was born December 8, 1950, in Thayer, Missouri. He passed away on Friday, November 4, 2022, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri surrounded by family at the age of 71.
He was united in marriage September 13, 1969, in Thayer, Missouri to Linda Waldrop. They were privileged to share 53 years together.
Randal is survived by his wife Linda Hobbs; two daughters, Rhonda Blum and husband Rich of Thayer, Missouri and Gayla Olbricht and husband Josh of Rolla, Missouri; two grandchildren, Garrett and Abby Blum of Thayer, Missouri; sister-in-law Murlene Curtis and husband Speedy of West Plains, Missouri; one niece Lisa Hall and husband Peter of Jefferson City, Missouri, and their family; special cousins, other relatives, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Virginia Hobbs; two aunts, Irene McCutchen and husband Charles, and Norma Thomas.
Randal was a graduate of Thayer High School with the class of 1968. He served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Knox, Kentucky as a mechanic from 1970 to 1972. Following his discharge from the Army he worked for Fred Shoemaker as a general repairman and welder, then at Mammoth Spring Auto as a mechanic until 1983. He then began working for the Missouri Department of Transportation until his retirement in 2007.
Randal had a lifelong love for Harley Davidson motorcycles and classic cars (especially 57 Chevys). He also loved collecting sports cards and bargain hunting at yard sales and antique malls. His more recent interests included traveling, fishing, and reading westerns.
Randal was a Christian, attending Midway Pentecostal Church in Thayer, Missouri for many years. He was always willing to help others, rarely asking for help in return. He loved spending time and sharing his hobbies with his family and close friends. He was “Grampy” to his two grandkids, whom he adored and accompanied on many school trips and events. He especially enjoyed following NHL hockey with his grandson, Garrett, and drawing and having creative adventures with his granddaughter Abby. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Services for Randal will be at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri. Family night will be from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday November 10, 2022, and funeral services will be Friday November 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Anthony Woods will be officiating over the service with special speakers Speedy Curtis and Bryan Waldrop. Burial will follow at Thayer Cemetery with a Military Honor Guard Service under the directions of Carter Funeral Home, Thayer Missouri.
November 7, 2022 @ 10:15 am
Randal and I worked together at MoDOT during my college years. He was fantastic to be around. Loved laughing at me running equipment that I probably should not have been. He was always so kind, funny, and always spreading faith by example. I was so sorry to hear today from another former MoDOTer that he had passed. My sincerest condolences to his entire family. He literally is one in a million!
November 7, 2022 @ 10:46 am
Randal is one of those trusted friends akin to no other. Concerned and compassionate and kind. You didn’t have to see him often or hear from him; you just knew he was always there. Our loss is nothing like the family’s, but this TRUE friend is one that will be forever missed. Always a smile and kind word. He and I were bidding on the same tools at Red’s auction when I realized who I was bidding against I backed up and stopped. He won the bid, then asked me what I wanted out of the tools. I said only the little small hammer. It wasn’t long after, that hammer was left at my front door. Now even more it is priceless, as is our friendship with Randal and Linda. Sending compassion to Linda, Rhonda, and “Harlene”. Gone too soon and Butch says one of the best men ever in his life, next only to our 91 year old Pop.
November 7, 2022 @ 4:18 pm
Randell was a dear childhood friend. He was a great friend and a good person.
November 7, 2022 @ 8:38 pm
Our families hearts are broken!! Randall was a long time great friend of my dad’s!! We considered him family!! Love and prayers for his family!! Keep my dad company until I get to y’all!!????
Tiffany & the Godwin /Car Dr family ??
November 7, 2022 @ 8:54 pm
Forever in our hearts…. Our condolences to his family, whom he spoke of every time you were around him. Linda, my heart hurts for you. A true loving family man. He will truly be missed by all that knew him. Benny considered him a very good friend.
Angela Godwin
November 8, 2022 @ 5:33 pm
So sorry to hear this. Prayers to the family. Mike spoke highly of Randal from his time with him in MoDot.
November 8, 2022 @ 11:50 pm
Randall is one of the very few people , I wish I had been around him way more. What a wonderful giant of a man . My sincere condolences to Linda and the entire family and friends .
November 9, 2022 @ 6:33 am
Our condolence to you and your family. We’re so sorry to here about Randal’s passing. Love and prayers to you all! Martha Haley Parker and family!
November 9, 2022 @ 2:30 pm
So sorry for your family and friends loss. I will be praying for you all. ?
November 10, 2022 @ 7:37 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Randal was wonderful. We are grieving with all of you and your wonderful family.
November 10, 2022 @ 12:54 pm
After I graduated from basic training at Fort Knox in 1971, my wife (Betty Sue) and I rented a place in Vine Grove Kentucky.
It was a small house with three apartments. In one of these apartments was a couple from Thayer Missouri—Randal and Linda Hobbs. Randal was also in the army. He was very kind and considerate, helpful and always pleasant to be around. We became good friends and remained so through the years. We would travel to Missouri to visit with them and they would come to Kentucky to visit with us.
We cherish the friendship and all of the memories. Betty Sue and I, and our children Shantila, Shannon and Jacob, extend our deepest sympathy to Linda, Rhonda, Gayla, grandchildren and other family members.
November 10, 2022 @ 4:36 pm
My condolences to you and your family. It was a pleasure knowing and visiting with Randall when I worked at MoDOT.