Douglas Randall

1921 - 2005

Douglas Randall, a respected and successful rancher, age 83, died on Jan. 16, 2005, in Billings, at the home of his daughter. Cause of death was a fast growing brain tumor, diagnosed on Dec. 23, 2004. All of his children and grandchildren spent time with him before his death.
Douglas was born on Oct. 24, 1921, in Miles City, the second son of Dr. Ray R. and Helen (Hart) Randall. He attended grade school and high school in Miles City. In 1940, he attended the University of Iowa with the intention of becoming a dentist. Because his father was often indirectly involved in ranching partnerships, Douglas soon realized he would much rather be a rancher than a dentist. He transferred to Iowa State College the next year and studied agriculture and later went into ranching with his father.
In 1942, he left college and went to work in the Oregon Shipyards as a welder on the "Liberty Ships." It was there he was injured, resulting in a 60% disability of his left arm. In 1944, Douglas married Lucille Gantenbein in Portland, Ore. Lucille was a student nurse who took care of him while he was hospitalized in Portland. They moved to the W Bar Ranch in Broadus a few days after the wedding, where Douglas formed a partnership with his father. This partnership continued as "Randall & Randall" until the death of his father. He then continued ranching on the W Bar, with his sons, Curtice and Craig. In 1972, Curtice married Bonnie Roberts and they began a ranching operation of their own. In the early 1990s, Craig and Jackee (Deibel) took over the ownership of the W Bar Ranch. Douglas still maintained a herd of purebred Angus cows, which he summered on his ranch at Colony, Wyo. Douglas took great pleasure in raising good cattle, and he and his wife traveled many a mile attending cattle sales, always looking for a "better bull," to put on his cows. Douglas was a hard worker, and loved what he was doing.
Douglas cherished his family - his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was so proud of their accomplishments. In recent years, Douglas and Lucille liked spending winters in Sun City, Ariz., where the weather was warm.
Douglas is survived by his wife, Lucille, of 60 years; daughter Susan and Lance Moxey, Sheridan, Wyo., and their children and grandchild, Clint and Vonda Moxey (daughter Shylee), Reno, Nev., Tyrel and Heather Moxey (son Maximus), Ashburn, Va., Nolan and Caryn Moxey, Reno; daughter Marcia and Dave Hurlburt, Billings, and their children, Sarah and Fred Schwendeman, Belgrade, Emily and Rebecca Hurlburt, Billings; son Curtice and Bonnie Randall, Broadus, and their children and grandchildren Wynn and Chris Randall (son Spencer and daughter Allie) Las Vegas, Jolene Randall and fiancé Gavin Spaulding, Las Vegas, Ray and Krista Randall, Broadus, Ross Randall, Broadus; son Craig and Jackee Randall, Broadus, and their children Lee, Kari, Tayler and Jay Randall, Broadus. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Warren and Molly Randall, Miles City, and many nieces and nephews.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Helen Ray and Hank Lydick; and grandson Joshua Randall.
Memorial service will be Feb. 5, at 11 a.m., at the United Church of Christ in Broadus. Burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent Powder River Manor Nurse Education Fund, Big Sky Hospice in Billings or charity of choice.