PONCA CITY, Okla. — Randall Jon Schermerhorn, a resident of Ponca City, Okla., died Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. He was 80 years old. 

Randall was born April 26, 1939 in Hugoton, Kan. to Arnita Johnson and Walter Schermerhorn. He joined his older sister, Jeslyn, age 5. This union ended and Arnita married Vane Tabler, soon moving to Larned, Kan. During the next five years, siblings Charles “Buddy” and Cheryl would join the family.

Randall graduated from Larned High School in 1957. Soon after, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served from 1957-1963. During his time in the service, he trained as a sonarman and served aboard the USS Nicholas. He was privileged to travel all over the globe and made many lifelong friends. After his discharge from the Navy, he attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and later a Master’s Degree.

Randall’s engineering career began in Dallas, Texas where he met and married Nancy Strode. The couple moved to Ponca City, Okla. in 1980 where he was employed by Conoco Oil for 13 years. Randall and Nancy were blessed with two children, Paul of Ponca City and Alison, of Pasadena, Calif. His career took him to the very top of radio towers, to the offshore oil rigs of the Gulf of Mexico, and as far as Lebanon and Dubai. After leaving Conoco, Randall continued his engineering work in Georgia and Texas until he retired.

After retiring, Randall settled in Ponca City where he spent time with friends and family, and enjoyed playing guitar, fishing, studying and searching for archeological artifacts. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Randall was preceded in death by his parents, Vane and Arnita Tabler, and older sister, Jeslyn. Children, Alison and Paul, and siblings, Buddy and Cheryl survive.  

A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 11, 2020