Randolph Stidham

Randolph (“Randy”) Stidham of Indianapolis, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 20, 2026. Randy was a combat veteran who was blessed with a long life, surrounded by a loving family. He will be missed dearly.

Randy was born on August 28, 1930, in Yerkes, Kentucky, to Charles and Zola (Campbell) Stidham. Randy was one of seven children and attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. As a teenager, he went to work in the Kentucky coal mines but quickly decided that he would rather join the U.S. Army. Because he was only 17 years old, he lied about his age (and name) to enlist. Randy went on to serve honorably in the Korean War, rise to the rank of sergeant, earn a Bronze Star for valor, and receive the Purple Heart.

After the war, Randy moved to Indianapolis where he met and fell in love with Elnora Taylor. They were married on September 27, 1957, and had two sons, Garry and Steven. Throughout his life, Randy was very active in the Indianapolis Westside community. He coached little league football and baseball and was a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He worked as a truck driver for many years and was a proud member of the Teamsters Union, West Pines Baptist Church and a lifetime member of the VFW.

Randy was a skilled woodworker and outdoorsman. He enjoyed camping, hunting and boating and spent many idyllic summers at Raccoon Lake surrounded by his family and friends. He loved to play cards and Euchre was certainly his favorite. He was the best grandpa who was always willing to indulge his grandchildren in one more golf cart ride or sneak them a piece of candy. He had a great sense of humor, a wonderfully mischievous smile, and cared deeply about his family.

Randy is survived by his loving wife of over 68 years, Elnora Stidham; his sons, Garry (Cindy) and Steve Stidham; 6 grandchildren, Ericka (Alan) Study, Jennifer (Eric) Pugh; Kelly (Quentin) Addair; Nicholas (Nicole) Mayes; Olivia (Mike) Lang; and Hayden Stidham; 11 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Donald Stidham. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Zola Stidham, brothers Claude, Estes, and Wilgus (Bill); sisters Helen Fugate and Rose Hatcher; and daughter-in-law, Melanie Stidham.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 24 from 5-7 pm, and funeral services on Wednesday, March 25 at 11 am at Baker Funeral Home on 387 E Broadway Street, Danville, Indiana.

Please visit www.bakerfuneralservice.com to leave the family a condolence.