Douglas S Randolph

Douglas Shawn Randolph passed away July 1, 2025 in a motorcycle accident doing what he loved. He was born December 1, 1971 to Judith (Clouser) Grantham of Earlham and Jimmie D. Randolph of Hamburg, IA. Doug was a devoted husband, father and friend to everyone. He never met a stranger.

Doug graduated from Adel-DeSoto in 1990 and then entered basic training at Ft. Dix, NJ where he had advanced training in Chinook helicopter repair. He served in Korea helping guard the DMZ. After his tour he was stationed in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky with the 101st Airborne Division Screaming Eagles. His bravery, discipline and work ethic earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike.

His love for big machines was instilled in him at a young age by his father and grandfather. After serving his country he became a skilled operator of heavy equipment with a knack for getting things done. Whether it was a tractor, skid loader, dozer or track loader, he could operate it all and loved to help people get their projects completed.

What truly set Doug apart was his willingness to lend a helping hand, often putting other’s needs before his own. His selflessness and generosity inspired countless people. His kindness will never be forgotten.

As the transportation director of Earlham Community School District, Doug’s heart shone the brightest. He loved those kids like his own, offering warm smiles, words of encouragement, a listening ear to each one of them and making sure they were safely driven after school as well as many activities like field trips, football, cross country, track and softball. His greatest joy was driving teams to state competitions and honking that horn in the send off parades.

When he wasn’t transporting students, you could find him cruising on his Harley, living life to the fullest. Doug’s infectious enthusiasm, kindness and generosity will be deeply missed by his family, friends, the community and the Earlham staff, parents and students.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Tammy (Emehiser) Randolph, children Shawn (Jenn) Randolph, Kieya Randolph and Alayah (Spencer Wright) Randolph. Parents, Jimmie (Kelley) Randolph, Judith (Russ) Grantham and mother-in-law Linda Emehiser. Sister Calista (Jeff) Nichols and nephew Jayden, numerous family members and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale and Mary Randolph, Earnest and Maxine Clouser, step-father Jim Vanderpool, and aunts Barbara House and Carol Ann Henderson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at New Hope Church in Adel, Iowa. Visitation will take place at the church on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A private family burial with military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Doug would like memorials to his wife, Tammy Randolph of Adel, Iowa, to help with final expenses. Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com