Randall “Randy” Keesling, 74, of Palestine, IL, passed away on February 4, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN. Born on June 1, 1950, in Anderson, IN, he grew up with a sharp wit, a stubborn streak, and an unshakable sense of loyalty. In seventh grade, his family moved to Middletown, IN, where he became part of the first graduating class of Shenandoah High School in 1968. Not long after, he traded in small-town life for military service, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force as a Military Police officer. Vietnam called, and he answered, serving his country with honor. But just when he thought he was coming home, Uncle Sam had other plans—Guam. And if you ever heard him talk about it, you knew exactly how he felt about that particular assignment. (He hated it.)
After his time in the Air Force, Randy built a career at General Motors in Anderson, IN, where he worked for 20 years before making a big move—one that brought him to Palestine, IL. There, he found his perfect job as the caretaker of Leaverton Park, a role he held from 2001 to 2011. He loved the work, and he made sure the park was well cared for—not just by him, but by any young person he could convince to help. That same knack for recruiting carried over to his years of coaching Little League, a role he held for most of his adult life. He believed in the game, but more than that, he believed in the kids. He taught them the fundamentals—how to swing, how to throw, how to keep their eye on the ball—but he also taught them what mattered off the field: work hard, be dependable, and tell the truth—even if no one wants to hear it.
After all, you always knew where you stood with Randy. He wasn’t one to sugarcoat the truth, and he didn’t believe in unnecessary pleasantries. But if you were lucky enough to be part of his world, you knew something else, too—beneath the blunt honesty was a man with a heart of gold. If you needed something, he didn’t just offer—he made sure you had it. No questions asked. He was a man who would do anything for his grandkids, a self-proclaimed “Pappaw” who might have liked them just a little more than his own kids. (And let’s be honest, he never really tried to hide that fact.) Family was his greatest joy, and in his later years, so was his faith. Though he didn’t talk about it much, he quietly made his way back to church, finding community at Outer West Market and a few dear friends along the way.
His restless spirit was evident to anyone who knew him—drawn to the open air, the thrill of competition, and the stories woven into the places he visited. Whether it was the satisfying thud of a well-hit golf ball, the rush of watching a horse race, or the quiet reverence of standing on historic battlefields, he chased experiences that made him feel alive. He traveled far and wide, visiting Gettysburg, Washington D.C., and Arlington National Cemetery, but it was the vast beauty of the West that captivated him most. The towering majesty of the Rockies called him back time and again, and his final great adventure took him to Little Bighorn in Montana—a fitting place for a man who never shied away from a battle.
But for all the places he explored, his greatest joy was never in the landscapes—it was in the people he shared life with. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and an even prouder “Pappaw.” To him, family wasn’t just important—it was everything. He lived with an unwavering sense of loyalty, an unshakable honesty, and a generosity that knew no bounds. Though his journey on this earth has come to an end, his impact will echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
He married Ella Carpenter on May 7, 1973, and she survives. Also surviving are his children & their spouses, Jeremy & Ashli Keesling, Jeff & Jessica Keesling, Jason & Amanda Keesling, and Kaci & Josh Lecheler; his grandchildren, Baily Keesling, Liam Lecheler, Lane Lecheler, McKenzie Keesling, Brody Keesling, Madelyn Keesling, Drake Keesling, Jaden Keesling, Landen Keesling, and Jaxon Miller; his siblings, Linda Carper, Debbie & Don Shelton, and Brian Keesling; his half-brothers, Mike Hoffman and Doug Hoffman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard “Bill” & Carolyn Sue Keesling and Mary & Jack Hoffman; and by his brother, Timothy Wayne Keesling.
A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine, with a memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Tim Watson. Military rites will be accorded by the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, along with members of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice—because if Randy taught us anything, it’s that when someone needs help, you don’t hesitate. You step up.
For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.
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