Randall Ray Lerche

Randall Ray Lerche, 81, passed away on November 1, 2025 in Cedar Park, Texas. Born on January 8, 1944, in Giddings, Texas, Randall was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church, attended grade school there, and was confirmed in March 1958. His confirmation verse was Matthew 28:20: " I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Grounded in that promise, he served God by serving his family, his country, and the State of Texas.
He graduated from Giddings High School in June 1962, earned an A.A. from Blinn College in May 1964, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Sam Houston State University in May 1966. Drawn to public service, he completed Texas DPS Basic Recruit Training from August to December 1966, was appointed a Highway Patrolman, and was assigned to Austin (Region 6B) in January 1967.
When the nation called, Randall reported. Ordered to report in October and drafted in November 1967, he completed basic training at Fort Polk, then served at Fort Eustis. He worked as a VIP Security Agent and Apprentice Criminal Investigator, graduated from the U.S. Army Military Police School at Fort Gordon in November 1968, and continued as a CID Criminal Investigator until his release from active duty in October 1969. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in November 1973.
Committed to using his gifts where most needed, Randall was reinstated as a Highway Patrolman in December 1969 with an assignment to Waxahachie. Grateful for the opportunity but knowing his heart belonged in Austin, and feeling called to automation and computers, he accepted a programmer position at the Texas Department of Transportation. He later continued his public-sector IT service with Health and Human Services, retiring in 1997 as a programming manager. In retirement he remained active in his community and church, serving as a church usher, an armored car guard, a real estate agent, and as a member on the Travis County Appraisal Review Board.
Above all, he dedicated his life to his two boys, Spencer and Andy, and to their families, pointing them to faith, integrity, and steady love. He is survived by his sons, Spencer Lerche (wife Kristi) and grandchildren Grayson and Greta of Cedar Park; and Andrew "Andy" Lerche (wife Jennie) of Brenham. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sophie and John Lerche; his sister, Shirley Goeke (husband John); and his brother, Larry Lerche.
Visitation will be held at Beck Funeral Home, 15709 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).