Randy Halsey

Mr. Hobart Randolph "Randy" Halsey, age 91, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Randy was born on November 5, 1932, in Marion, Virginia, the son of John William and Hallie Vastine (Richardson) Halsey. He was united in marriage on June 12, 1954, at Immaculate Conception Church in Jefferson City, Mo., to Coralyn J. Collier. They shared 67 wonderful years together before her passing on January 26, 2021, and were blessed with three daughters.
Randy was a 1951 graduate of Carnegie High School in Marion, Virginia. Eager to continue his educational journey, he enrolled at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Social Science and a minor in Mathematics in 1955. Following this achievement, Randy served his country in the United States Army Reserves, earning an honorable discharge on October 31, 1961.
While his initial time at Lincoln University concluded with his bachelor's degree, Randy's commitment to learning persisted. In May 1974, he reached another milestone, obtaining his master's degree in Guidance and Counseling. This educational pursuit underscored Randy's unwavering dedication to personal and professional growth.
In 1958, Randy embarked on his professional journey at C.C. Hubbard High School in Sedalia, assuming roles in teaching physical education, social studies, and math. Later, relocating his family to Jefferson City, he emerged as a dedicated advocate for affordable housing. As the Director of Housing and Relocation for the Jefferson City Housing Authority (1960-1965), Randy spearheaded the acquisition of 120 public housing units for displaced residents, a project known as "Campus View" encircling his alma mater, Lincoln University. In 1965, Randy appeared in Outstanding Young Men of America.
Affordable housing remained at the core of Randy's passions, prompting him to delve into government and politics. In 1965, he received an appointment in Urban Affairs from the late Governor Hearnes. Serving in the governor's office, he held titles such as State Coordinator of Model Cities and Director and Office of Governmental Services in the Office of Community Affairs. A pinnacle in his career was co-chairing the nation's first National Governor's Conference in 1968, where he had the privilege of meeting President L.B. Johnson. As the first African American in Missouri appointed to a key state administrative role, Randy continued breaking barriers.
During this time, Randy also assumed the role of president in a local corporation, overseeing the construction of Jefferson City's first black-owned middle-income housing. This housing, predominantly occupied by Lincoln University staff and faculty, marked a significant milestone in Randy's commitment to affordable living.
In 1979, he made history again, becoming the first African American elected to the Jefferson City Council, a position he held until 1995. Throughout his tenure, Randy chaired influential committees, including Public Works and Planning and Finance, and served as Mayor Pro Tem (1982-1983). As the city's sole black councilman, his influence prompted the Chamber of Commerce to contribute 23 $1,000 scholarships to local students. Collaborating with city officials and school administrators, Randy secured a $280,000 grant to establish a cable access television channel, emphasizing the merits of mass communication. He became active with the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce as a Board of Director (1983-1988) and enjoyed helping as a Jefferson City Ambassador (1986-1987).
In his council role, Randy championed legislation aimed at nurturing Lincoln University's roots in Jefferson City. His commitment to his alma mater continued as he returned to Lincoln University, transitioning into roles such as Instructor/Community Development State Specialist. Swift promotions followed, elevating him to Assistant Professor specializing as Local Government State Specialist and serving as Executive Assistant to Dr. Thomas Miller Jenkins, the university president. Randy later contributed his insights as a member of the Board of Curators for Lincoln University. He was a 60-year member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Once he retired from Lincoln University, Randy founded and developed two corporations in Howardville, a city in Southeast Missouri. This nine-million-dollar project funded by state and federal funds helped create a new subdivision with over 100 units for housing, a city hall with a fire truck and a multipurpose building. In 1999, he formed the Community Development of America, Inc., which in conjunction with Maximus and Horizon, successfully collected Medicaid funding for public school districts in the state of Missouri. Randy also provided consulting services to institutions such as Lindenwood University, Missouri Valley College, Knoxville College, and Morristown College.
Randy received much recognition and awards for his efforts to help others including the Distinguished Alumni Award of Lincoln University (1977); a Presidential Citation from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in High Education (1985); a salutation for his vision for Lincoln University and the Community form the Missouri State Lottery Commission (1989); the Outstanding Achievers Award from the Missouri Black Legislative Caucus (1993); the National Administration Award for Extension Enhancement (1998); Governor Mel Carnahan's Martin Luther King Award (1998); and the Jefferson City NAACP's Rosa Parks Award (2002)
He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church where he served as an usher. He helped the church as a member of the Missouri Catholic Conference Public Policy Committee (1994-2007). Additionally, he lent his expertise as a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Mary's Health Center Foundation.
In his leisure hours, Randy found joy on the golf course and was a charter member of the Country Club of Missouri. As the years passed and playing became challenging, he shifted to enjoying the game through television. Randy's enthusiasm for sports, be it collegiate or professional, was unwavering. He remained a staunch supporter of the Lincoln Blue Tigers, the Mizzou Tigers, and the alma maters of his granddaughters, the University of Houston. He and Coralyn enjoying traveling with family and friends, exploring the world one cruise at a time. Quality time with family always revolved around family meals, holidays and special gatherings.
Survivors include: three daughters, Robyn McKnight of Houston, Tx., Terri Halsey of Houston, Tx, and Christy Crump of Florissant, Mo.; two grandchildren, Bianca Daniels of Houston, Tx., and Sydney Crump of Florissant, Mo.; three nieces, Frances "Frenchy" Tucker (Edward), Gloria Fletcher and Pamela Bois; cousin, Phillip Graham; numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Coralyn; brother, John Halsey (Helen); three sisters, Emma Gruber (Arthur), Maude Perkins (Frank), and Flora Mae Williams (Will); nephew, Elliott Gruber; and parents-in-law, Israel J. and Hallie Collier.
Visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Immaculate Conception Church with the Reverend Donald J. Antweiler officiating. Graveside services and entombment with military honors will follow in the Mausoleum of Resurrection Cemetery.
A webcast of his service will begin at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, November 28, 2023, for friends that are not able to attend by going to the "photos and video" tab of this memorial page and clicking the webcasting link.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1206 E McCarty St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, American Cancer Society, 1900 Providence Rd #105, Columbia, MO 65202, Blue Tigers Athletic Club, 820 Chestnut Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, Bootheel Community Development Corporation (BCDC), 6909 US Highway 61, Howardville, MO 63869.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.