Randall Ray Willard, age 58, of North Platte, NE, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, August 14, 2016.
Randy was born December 1, 1957, to Lynn Alvin and Dorothy Marie Collins Willard at Sterling, CO. He grew up in the North Platte and Stapleton, NE area, graduating from Stapleton High School in 1976. Randy went on to Mid-Plains Community College and earned his Associate’s Degree in Diesel Mechanics then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad. He worked as a Diesel Mechanic and trained apprentices.
On July 23, 1977, Randy was united in marriage to Lisa Kay Ewoldt at Stapleton. They lived in North Platte where they raised two sons. Randy was a member of the First Christian Church and Great Plains Corvette Club. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and a Big Red fan. Most of all, Randy loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and was a good son and son-in-law. He was always willing to help others but was content staying home and taking care of his cars. Randy will be greatly missed.
He leaves behind his wife, Lisa, two sons, Josh (Sandy) Willard and Justin (Ashleigh) Willard, and mother, Dorothy Willard, all of North Platte; two grandchildren, Ashton and Hailey; sisters, Cheryl (Roger) Beem, of North Platte and Deb Merritt, of Omaha, NE; brothers, Larry (Carmen) Willard, of Stapleton and Tim (Karen) Willard and Douglas (Sharla) Willard, of North Platte; parents-in-law, Alfred and Clara Ewoldt, of Stapleton; brother-in-law, Allen (Velma) Ewoldt, of Thedford, NE; his dog, Lucy; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other family.
Randy was preceded in death by his father, Lynn; infant brother, Tommy; grandparents, Harry and Edna Willard and Milton and Edna Collins; nephew, Brian Willard; and sister-in-law, Mary Ewoldt.
Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2016, at the First Christian Church with Pastor Jan Ekstedt officiating. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 6 to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, cremation will follow. The memorial book may also be signed at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to First Christian Church or Callahan Cancer Center. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.