Randy Lynn McKenzie
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Celebration of Life for Randy Lynn McKenzie, 66, Lawrence, KS, will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Randy passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Medicalodges Eudora.
Randy was born on January 12, 1955 in Lawrence, KS the son of Lynn and Oleta (Gentry) McKenzie.
Randy graduated from Lawrence High School in 1973. He was a lifelong Chesty Lion supporter. Randy was a truck driver for many years. He retired from Liberty Fruit Company in January, 2017. Randy was an avid Chiefs, Royals and especially KU Jayhawks fan. He also loved the Marching Jayhawks. Randy spent many years playing softball with the “Zit City Manglers”. He also enjoyed bowling with the “Manglers”. Randy was a very caring person. He was always willing to help anyone in need.
Survivors include his sisters, Nancy (Jerry) Novak, Nairobi, Kenya; Sandy (Steve) Kuenkel of Cincinnati, OH; Cathy (Michael) Ison of Lawrence, KS; nieces and nephews, Holly, Nathan (Angela), Roanna (Rick), Alisa (Michael Paul), Ryan (Jayme), Jamo (Danielle), Michaela and Carter; 13 great nieces and nephews. Randy will also be greatly missed by his cousins and lifelong friends.
Memorial contributions may be made in Randy’s name to Diabetes Research Institute and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
KU Jayhawks attire is welcome.
I’m so sorry to see that Randy has died. He was a sweet man whom I’ve known since the 70’s. We had many common interests, probably the least of which is the middle name that he and my oldest son shared (it tickled him)!
Sweet is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about Randy. Bob and I are very sorry to hear of his passing. We were friends in the 70’s. Condolences and hugs to his family and friends.
Randy was a life long very close friend. I considered him to be my brother. We had so much fun through the years. This leaves a hole in my heart.
I knew Randy since the 4th grade. We had a very close brotherhood in our neighborhood, lots of kids around the same age. Those were golden times, we played basketball, baseball and football almost everyday and virtually owned the KU football stadium and the Hill. Randy, Stan, Mike and I went to school together until the school districts split our neighborhood, that sucked.
Randy was such a stud when we were young, and he got a long with everyone. He loved everything Jayhawk. I miss him but know he is in a better place now.
Rock Chalk
I am saddened by the loss of Randy Mac as he was known in my softball circle. I met Randy on a baseball diamond in the late 70s when someone cut the lock off the lights at Sunset elementary school and we played softball in the middle of the night. It was the beginning of a rivalry between The Zit City Manglers and The Y. Later we kind of morphed together and played together. You couldn’t tell by looking at Randy but he owned left field. he had great instincts and would get good reads on the fly balls. And you better not try to run on his arm either. Randy as a person was one of those people you never heard a bad word about. He always greeted you with big smile. I will miss that. He was a die hard Jayhawk. He’d be at the games even through these tough times. much greater loyalty then I ever had for sports teams. It’s so hard getting older and losing people that matter. Randy mattered. My sympathies to his family, his friends, and all those who knew and loved Randy especially his cousin Raymond who you always saw those two together.
I met Randy in the late 60’s at the Pladium Lanes. Lorraine Wilson put me on the team with Randy (and Stan and Mitch who commented above). Randy was older than me, but he always made me feel welcomed and was very kind to me. I loved those memories of the best bowling alley and friends ever, and Randy was a part of those special memories. I send my condolences to his sister, Nancy, who I went to school with. She, like Randy, was an amazingly sweet and gentle friend. I agree with Stan… Randy leaves a hole in many hearts.
I am heartbroken to know Randy is no longer here. Randy was a driver at Liberty Fruit when I started working here. He loved being in a truck more than most. Randy had the most generous heart and a great sense of humor. I spoke with him in the past couple of months and he told me he was doing okay…too bad he didn’t realize we wouldn’t be okay without him.
I have just read about Randy’s passing and am saddened. He was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. May his family and friends have strength at this time. Rest in piece!
Dear Sandy, Nancy & Cathy, my sincere condolences for the loss of your brother, you are in my thoughts and prayers and hope that you have many wonderful memories to hold onto a this difficult time. Much love, Rita “Crawford” Trybom
It was very sad to hear of Randy’s passing. I knew he had serious health issues but he never let me know that it was so dire. I have known Randy for the past 45 years and he remained a close friend to the end. He was always kind, warm, funny, gentle, and generous. The last few winters he has brought me a bottle of Crown Royal (as he knew that was my favorite winter drink) even though I know he had little money. From being his roommate, to selling him my old red ’63 Chevy II Nova (which I bought for $300 and I think sold to him for $200) to having lunch together often at the brewery, to sharing a tent and canoe in the Canadian boundary waters, to attending Royals games, to checking out his Dad’s shack outside of LeCompton, to nighttime catfishing at several places, it was always fun to have Randy’s company. He is, and will be, missed.
Randy was the slowest driver on the face of the earth & this bespoke the easy going nature of his being, a wonderful temperament. In the summer of ’88, he was on a mission to be the best outfielder he could be. Every afternoon that year, I would hit fly balls to him at Hobbs park & he never tired of chasing them down. He just kept saying, “hit me another one.” He wanted to be the best that he could be & in fact surpassed his potential mightily that year. He had a banner season & the Zit City Manglers ruled the world that year. I’ll never forget the lobster claw way he’d catch a ball & his tomahawk chop hack in the batter’s box! He had a style all his own, a true original. He loved his friends & maintained a great loyalty to them all his while, an ardent & devoted Jayhawk fan like no other. Life is happy & sad & there’s just no getting around that. We all loved Randy! God bless..
Was a sad day when I learned of Randy’s passing. My condolences to all who knew and cared about him. One could not help but be drawn to his friendly and gentle demeanor. And who else could spin a yarn, or deliver a punchline like him, with that twinkle in his eye? RIP, brother
Sorry for your loss. Went to school with Randy he will be missed…
I am sadden to read of the passing of Randy. I went to high school with Randy, and I remember him always being very kind, fun and easy to talk to.. He had a gentle and fun spirit and a great smile. I enjoyed watching the video of the years of his life. His senior picture made me smile… that’s how think him, that long wavy thick hair. I pray that Cathy and the rest of Randy’s family can find peace and comfort , I’m sure he left a hole in your hearts.
Nancy, Sandy and Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about Randy’s passing. Prayers to you all.
Bobbie (Lemon) Shreve
I first met Randy in the Summer of 1971. We were good friends for 50 years. We used to kid him that he looked like a “young Joe Cocker”. He used to wear a Superman shirt, and indeed he was super kind and funny. Somewhere along the way, he became known as “The Greyhound”, because he loved to shag fly balls.
Words cannot describe my sense of loss. I miss you Randy forever. I just hope I can hit you one more fly ball in the future.