Randall, Charles 1887-1918

RANDALL, DEE, SMALL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/24/2012 at 22:41:48

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Oct. 29, 1918

CHARLES RANDALL
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Successful Sheridan Farmer Buried--Was Former Student of Grinnell College.

Relatives and friends of Charles Randall were saddened to learn the news of his death last Thursday at his home in Sheridan. Though he had been ill for some time with typhoid fever strong hopes were held for his recovery, but Wednesday his heart began to fail and the end came early Thursday morning.

Funeral services were held at the home at two o'clock Saturday afternoon.

The services were conducted by Rev. W.S. Kight of Des Moines, an old friend and pastor. He was assisted by Rev. W.J. Scott, pastor of the Methodist church of Sheridan. A blanket of roses covered the casket and the room in which the body was laid was made beautiful by many offerings of flowers, the last gifts of his loving friends.

Charles Chester, son of Charles Frederick and Nellie May Randall, was born Sept. 29, 1887, near Bloomfield, Nebraska. He was the first child born to his parents.

When he was six years old his parents removed to Missouri and shortly afterward to a farm near Grinnell. Seven years later the family moved to Chester where Charles grew to manhood.

He attended the public schools until he received his diploma. For a number of years then he helped his father with the work at home, but at the age of twenty he was advised that farm-work was injurious to his health. He decided to go on with his school-work and entered Grinnell Academy in February, 1909. He was graduated from the Academy in the spring of 1911 and the following fall entered Grinnell College.

He left college the following year and taught for a few months in the public schools. The confinement of the classroom had not improved his health so he returned to the farm.

On the 24th of December, 1914, he was united in marriage with Miss Fern Dee of Sheridan. They began their married life on a farm near Mt. Vernon, Iowa, where they lived for three years. They moved to Sheridan in March, 1918. Here in June a son, Charles Claire, was born to them.

In July Mr. Randall contracted typhoid fever which continued through the following months in a mild form. He was recovering from the fever when his heart failed him. His death occurred at 3:30 o'clock in the morning of the 17th day of October. He was 31 years and 17 days old. He leaves to mourn his loss his loving wife, his infant son, his father, C.F. Randall, of Chester, his sister, Mrs. Mae Randall Small of Evanston, Ill., his brother, Raymond, and many relatives and friends.

He joined the Sonora Methodist church at the age of 14 years and remained through the years of his life an example of one who lives in the spirit of his beliefs.

Thro his life he remained true to the vow he took when he gave his life to Christ, and worshipped at Mt. Vernon and in Sheridan with the church of his choice.

Mr. Randall and his estimable wife represent two of the best families in this county and both in the home exemplified the value of true and earnest Christian lives.

No men have lived better lives than Charlie Randall and none are mourned more in the circle in which they have lived.

He has not gone from those who knew and loved him but will live forever in their memories as one who knew the meaning of love, and held sacred the bonds of friendship. He died as he had lived--strong in himself and in his belief in a greater and better world.