Frank Randel

Frank Duane Randel, 79, died Wednesday, November 30, 2016 in Coffeyville, KS.

Frank was born September 14, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Theodore Antone (Sandy) Randel and Frances Louise (Millington) Randel.

He attended Elementary School in Franklin County; graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1955 while serving as Class Vice President. He enjoyed sports, lettering in both football and basketball (#42). His aptitude for writing was evident early by winning English scholarship contests. He graduated from Ottawa University on Aug 25, 1967, where he won several writer's awards for his poems and short stories. He also taught Spanish while attending Ottawa University. After graduation, he accepted a teaching position in Greeley, KS from 1960-64. He matriculated at Kansas State Teachers College [[]now Emporia State University] where he received a Master of Science Degree in French and Spanish languages on August 25, 1967. In the fall of 1965, he began teaching English, American Literature and Foreign Languages in Stafford and St. John, KS High Schools. The St. John position was temporary, but the Stafford High School tenure continued until his resignation in 1980. He taught off-campus classes in Spanish for Fort Hays State College during his time in Stafford.

He operated Randel Repair, a mechanic's shop, in Stafford from 1980 until 1988 when he moved to Coffeyville, KS. He taught at Coffeyville Community College until he retired in 1999. His greatest joy was teaching English as a Second Language to foreign exchange students from Nicaragua.

Frank had many interests - A lifelong educator and writer, he published six books and compiled three books of letters and other writings that are part of the Kansas State Historical Society's Collections. All titled, Fleeting Breath Kansans. He took great pleasure in having his nephew, Alan Cunningham set one of his poems to music.
An avid car enthusiast, he purchased his first car at the age of thirteen. He was the proud owner of a 1929 Hupmobile [[]tragically destroyed in a wreck in 1972 which Frank miraculously survived]; collected several Lincoln cars from the 1950's and later restored four DA Dodge Brothers (1929 Phaeton, 1929 Sedan, 1930 Coupe and 1932 Sedan) vehicles He won over thirty trophies at car shows with the Phaeton, Sedan and Coupe.

Frank was a skilled snooker player and continued that interest at Coffeyville Community College, where he regularly won snooker games. His real love in Coffeyville was the Nicaraguan students, a relationship that continued after they moved back to their native country.

Frank was raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on April 14, 1974 at Stafford Lodge #252 AF&AM in Stafford, KS. He served twice as Master of that Lodge. He is a member of Keystone Lodge #102 AF&AM, Coffeyville, KS.

He built a cabin with the help of Scott Garman on shore of the lake located on the family farm in Franklin County. Many hours were devoted to the project, with the assistance of his late friend Rachel Nelson and his brother in-law, Gene Cunningham. It provided plentiful leisure time on the front porch watching the geese and ducks on the lake. He restored a Cub tractor and kept the lake area mowed for others to enjoy as well. Time with family and friends at the cabin was cherished.

He is survived by Marilyn (David) Staley, Williamsburg, KS sister; nephews Alan (Phyllis) Cunningham, Ottawa KS and Brad (Cathy) Cunningham, Katy, TX; and sister in law Doris Randel, Williamsburg, KS; and nieces Erin (Ted) Pitt, Burlington, KS and Donna (Eldon) Grimes, Holiday Island, Ark; many great-nieces and nephews, many friends and hundreds of grateful students.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Carl Randel and sister Betty June Cunningham.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. A gathering of friends sharing memories of Frank will be held December 12, 2016 at 2:00PM at the First United Methodist Church, 304 W 10th St. in Coffeyville, KS. Masonic Burial Rites will be provided by Keystone Lodge 102 of Coffeyville, Kansas.

A private family memorial will be held in Williamsburg, KS.

A celebration of life service, as directed by Frank, will tentatively be held at the Cabin on Randel Lake, Williamsburg, KS on Cinco de Mayo 2017 with interment at the Mount Olivet Cemetery Final plans to be published later.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in the memory of Frank Duane Randel to either:
Coffeyville Community College Foundation 400 W. 11th St, Coffeyville, Kansas or Kansas Masonic Home, Attn: Hervey W. Wright III, 402 S. Martinson, Wichita, KS 67213 or left with Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel.

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