Randy L. Foley

Randy L. Foley, 66, of Troy, formerly of Wathena, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Randy was born on March 5, 1959, in Spearville, Kan., to Dwayne and Ethel Mae Foley. Randy grew up and attended school in Wathena, graduating from Wathena High School in 1977. As a teen he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing basketball, excelled in woodworking, and was an avid water skier who liked proving he could ski a 45-mile distance on the Missouri River from the Wathena boat dock to the Leavenworth bridge without falling down or needing a break. After high school he attended Washburn University in Topeka, planning to pursue a criminal justice degree. While at Washburn from 1977-78, in addition to his studies he played intramural basketball and worked as a bus driver for a Topeka school district. Randy's life changed the night of Aug. 1, 1978, when he was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed in rural Wathena. In that crash Randy suffered a brain injury that negatively and permanently impacted his interpersonal skills. Despite challenges caused by the injury, Randy remained active. From 1980-1982 he handled typesetting and ad design for the Platte County Landmark Newspaper in Platte City, Mo. and later helped with distributing The Landmark for several years. He also assisted multiple farmers in the Wathena area at various times. He mowed lawns and enjoyed doing kind deeds for senior citizens. His hobbies included gardening, reading local newspapers, coin collecting and he was a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Randy was preceded in death by his parents and by Trudy Oglesby, his longtime partner. He is survived by two brothers: Ivan (Linda) Foley of Platte City, who served as Randy's legal guardian; and Dana Foley of Wathena. Surviving sisters are Gayla (Mike) Kiefer of Wathena; Nan Foley of Chandler, Ariz.; Lori (Kevin) Vertin of Wathena; and Trudy (Alan) Vertin of Platte City. Randy's wishes were to be cremated with a private service at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Troy Pioneer Center. Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.