Stephen David Randall, 77, pulled anchor, hoisted the mainsail, and set a course for the open sea, departing this world on August 20, 2026.
Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, to John Wesley and Margaret Elaine (Nelson) Randall, he made waves from the start. A lover of good food, good times, and even greater stories, Steve maintained his keen intellect and bold approach through every phase of his life.
His family spent his formative years living on the Jersey Shore, where stories about Steve and his brother, Jack, have become urban legend. Much of their free time was spent with friends on the water, especially the Widdis family, learning to sail.
John and Margaret moved to live full-time on their sailboat shortly after both Randall boys graduated high school. One of Steve’s favorite memories was being on winter break from West Virginia Wesleyan College and taking a bus to their last port of call to have the Coast Guard hail his parents’ ship to get picked up for the holidays.
Some families pass down wealth or land. In Steve’s family, an unshakable sense of curiosity and adventure was his inheritance. After college graduation, Steve lived on his own sailboat, traveling the Caribbean for several years. One of his greatest personal achievements was earning his captain’s license.
The Captain, as friends and family called him, would eventually return to Buckhannon, where he made his home with his wife, Libby (Lowman) Randall. Married for 48 years, Steve and Lib created a celebratory tone for all occasions, pitching recipe ideas back and forth for their next big event. Their shared love of entertaining and adventure inspired family friend Lee Talbott to give them the moniker the Flying Randelli Traveling Circus.
Ever the entrepreneur, Steve was a chef, a sailor, a western wear shop owner, a trucking business owner, a coal foreman, a pawnbroker, and an oil and gas landman. His biggest accomplishment, though, was his family. He was so proud of his children, ensuring they could also pursue adventure with his generosity, praise, and words of wisdom.
He leaves behind his wife, whom he truly adored, Libby; his children, Jen and husband Etienne of Bridgeport, West Virginia, and Scott and wife Darrian of Buckhannon, West Virginia; his brother, Jack and wife Charlotte of Cape Cod, Massachusetts; his niece Rebecca and nephew John; along with his four grandchildren, Ian, Aixa, Nora, and Jack.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, at Wesley Chapel on the West Virginia Wesleyan College campus. A celebration of life will be held after the conclusion of the service.
Following cremation, Steve will be buried at sea. As his family and friends, we wish him fair winds and following seas.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
