Robert Harrison Randall was born to Robert D. and Lucilla Hall Randall who owned and operated Randall’s in Normal, IL. He married Joanne Fissel on November 24, 1955 in Bloomington.
Harrison spent most of his youth in Bloomington and was a graduate of University High School and Illinois Wesleyan University. He was most proud of his service as a United States Marine from 1952-1954, and served during the Korean War. Harrison and Joanne moved to Gilman in 1961 where they owned and operated the Ben Franklin Store until it closed in 2006. He was member of the Christian Science Church of Boston, Mass and enjoyed his daily calls from Marlin Fourman, Jr. with the daily reading. He was a proud member of his community serving on the Park District Board, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. In 2018 he was able to be an honoree of a Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He loved trains and the weather and continued to track both daily.
He had many special friends who continued to visit him at the Gilman Nursing Home. His “coffee group” who met for many years at the local coffee shop continued to meet at the nursing home and he loved his routine outings, often running into someone who had a warm hello or “Hi, Josh.” The dedication of these friendships remained strong in phone calls and window visits when the pandemic made in-person visits not possible. He was so grateful to all of you.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Joanne (December 4, 2009). He leaves behind his cousin G. Kay (Frank) Boyd, sister-in-law Jarie (Clarence) Ford, nieces Lisa Ford and Carrie (Doug) Leathers, great nieces Katie (Ryan) Casselman and Gracie Ford, a great-great niece Abbie Casselman and great-great nephew, “finally a boy” Lucas Casselman.
The family would like to acknowledge special friends Susie, Gloria and Holly who made his last years extra special and who were a tremendous support to his well-being. To the caregivers at Gilman Nursing Home, thank you for being there. Harrison lived a beautiful life and his presence will be remembered by many. Our hearts are full knowing he is reunited with family who went before him, especially the love of his life, Joanne.
Services will be held at Mann Park Pavilion on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Susie Offill will officiate and military rites will take place by Gilman American Legion Post 499 and United States Marine Corps. A short social will immediately follow. Inurnment will be at Gilman Mausoleum at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mann Park.
Arrangements by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
