Randall Vandervest

GARRETT - Randall "Randy" Eugene Vandervest, 71, of Garrett, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

He was born on Oct. 2, 1954, in Reed City, Michigan. He was the son of the late Marvin E. Vandervest and Barbara (Rhodes) Bakker. Randy was raised by Barbara and Forrest G. Scott.

After high school, Randy honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corp stationed at the 8th and I Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., where he was a member on the Silent Drill Platoon, which is a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a silent, precision drill exhibition showcasing the professionalism and discipline of the U.S. Marine Corps. From 1974 to 1977, Randy served as a presidential security guard at Camp David, Maryland, under Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter.

He married Karen K. Grone on Oct. 29, 1974, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She resides in Garrett.

Randy worked for 30 years as a pictorial sign painter all over northern Indiana, for Burkhart Advertising. After his retirement, Randy built, repaired and serviced computers.

He was a member of Garrett American Legion Post 0178, where he served on the color guard.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching NASCAR and football. He was an avid fan of both Dale Earnhardt and the Chicago Bears. He also enjoyed going to Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana, to watch street stock and modified races.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Karen Vandervest, of Garrett; daughters and sons-in-law, Amanda and Chris Moriarity, of Rome City and Jessica and Dicky Murley, of Garrett; three grandchildren and their spouses, Ian Murley, Blaine and Kelsey Moriarity and Lexie and Drew Nash; five great-grandchildren, Arlee, Karsyn, Brentley, Hudson and Sebastian; his mother and her spouse, Barbara and Gary Bakker, of Auburn; sister, Karen Sponhower, of Auburn; sister and brother-in-law, Lynda and Hank Carper, of Auburn; his mother-in-law and her spouse, Ruth and Charles Maier, of Wayne, Nebraska; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gail and March Roach, of Damascus, Oregon; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and other extended family members.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Vandervest; his dad, Forrest Scott; father-in-law, Arthur Grone; and brother-in-law, Tim Sponhower.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, from 1-3 p.m., at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 S. Center St., in Auburn.

Committal with military honors will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn following the gathering at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Randy, to Garrett American Legion Post 178, 515 W. 5th Ave., Garrett, IN 46738.

Condolences may be sent to the family at fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.