Randall Alan Washburn

WASHBURN, Randall Alan, “Randy” age 73 of Vandalia, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026. Randy was born September 25, 1952 in Wilmington, Ohio, son of the late Richard W. and Christena K. (Faulkner) Washburn.

In addition to his parents, Randy was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Janet Washburn, as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Bobby Miller. Loving survivors of Randy include his devoted wife of nearly 30 years, Brenda Kay; sons, Jeremy (Erin) Washburn, Rodney (Jessica) Washburn, Chad Washburn, and Rich (Erica) Washburn; daughter, Jennifer (Craig) Bartling; step-son, Ryan (Tarien) Williamson; 17 grandchildren, Jordan, Hunter, Mason, Rodney Jr., Ayla, Kandice, Shay, Arielle, Ava, Ashton, and Alec Washburn, Cole, Cate and Emily Bartling and Makenzie, Rylie and Audrie Williamson; 4 great-grandchildren, Austin, Emri, Cohen and Jackson; brother, Rick Sr. (Jackie) Washburn and sister, Barbara (Jim) Seitz; along with many much loved nieces and nephews.

From the moment he was saved as a teenager, Randy committed his life to serving his Lord and Savior. And now, “His Lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant” MT 25:21

Randy graduated from Vandalia Butler High School, Arlington Baptist College and was ordained to the ministry Oct 14, 1982. Randy served humbly and faithfully as a pastor, a Christian School principal, a bible and music teacher, a youth minister, a camp director, a visitation captain, a bus driver, a choir director, a counselor, a prayer warrior, a door-to-door witness, a janitor and whatever else he was called to do.

Randy served at Boulevard Baptist Church, Burleson, TX; Portsmouth Baptist Church, Portsmouth, OH; and Vandalia Baptist Temple, Vandalia, OH.

God gave Randy a rich, booming voice. We heard it in solos, duets and quartets. We heard him lead congregational singing and choirs. We heard him inspire us with heartfelt lyrics of Godly praise and we heard him teach children fun and silly songs so they could remember scripture and Bible truths.

No description of Randy would be complete without noting that he loved church and family carry-in dinners. And he wasn’t shy about making special requests for his food favorites.

Randy played games to win but always with a spirit of fun and with a purpose to engage with people. Randy loved people because Randy loved Jesus. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He even loved people who were not kind to him. He just loved.

Randy was a faithful husband and father. He loved with tenderness and gentle compassion; he encouraged with confidence; he taught with unapologetic discipline. The stories are true; he did not spare the rod. But the adage was also true… It did hurt him more than it hurt them.

As people gather to remember Randy, the stories will seem endless for the laughter, joy and comfort he brought to so many lives. But more importantly are the people he will see in heaven because he was faithful to tell them about his Jesus.

Randy is deeply missed here but it makes looking forward to heaven even sweeter.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 14 at the Vandalia Baptist Temple, 724 Helke Rd., Vandalia with Rev. Rev. Kenric Barnett, Rev. Ethan Daves, and Rev. Rick Washburn, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Poplar Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday, March 13 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. If so desired, donations may be made to the Vandalia Baptist Temple in Randy’s memory. Arrangements entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.