"My uncle was a great person and he will live forever in my heart."
In loving memory of
Randy Eugene Marchant
September 26, 1952 - January 17, 2021
Randy Eugene Marchant, age 68 of Colfax, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at his home. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2021 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Coburn Funeral Home in Colfax. Burial will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and condolences may be left at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
The son of Max and Norma (Cross) Marchant, Randy was born on September 26, 1952 in Mason City, Iowa. Randy served in the United States Army, serving in Korea, VietNam and Thailand. He was medically retired from the Army in 1976. He then went to work as a Military Liaison at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, retiring after 28 years in 2007. He also coordinated health care for any soldier or organization, such as the Reserves, National Guardor other active duty personnel. Randy also worked at Camp Dodge 2007 - 2009. In 2009 his health had deteriorated and he fully retired in 2009. After his mother passed away he moved to Colfax to live in a slower and quieter environment in 2012. He joined the American Legion Post 175 and the AMVETS Post 50. He stayed active in both organizations with Memorial Day celebrations, parades, Mineral Springs Days, Country Christmas and Veterans Day activities. He also joined the Colfax Historical Society, the Park Board and then Main Street. He was an avid disc golf player and helped design the 2004 PDGA Worlds Biggest Disc Golf Tournament course. He was also a part of a group of extreme campers known to others as the Hardcore Campers.
Those left to honor his memory include his children, Andrea (Andrew) Hankins and Adam Marchant; nine grandchildren, Gavin, Kaydence, Ava, Kahne, London, Bennett, Lizzy, Anna and Alexis; two sisters, Lisa Pierce and Joyce Camp and a brother, Monte Marchant as well as several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, a brother, Maxie; two grandchildren, Carter and Kayleigh, nieces, Michele and Samantha, a nephew Yancey and a brother-in-law, Scott.
Tributes
"Randy was a special guy. Served his country with honors. He also helped alot of veterans. He will be missed. Good bye friend."
"My dad was an amazing person, always willing to help no matter what the situation entailed. He loved helping his fellow veterans and more than anything else he loved his grandkids and would do anything for his family. I dont know how or when ill be able to process all of this but knowing how many people loved him and how many people he touched with his kindness makes me more proud than anything. "
"I worked at the VAMC for over 21 years. I I knew Randy almost all those years. He was a gentleman and always very helpful. He loved his family and was a dedicated honorable veteran who went above and beyond his duties. I was honored to call him my coworker and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. "
"Colfax-Mingo Elementary would like to recognize Randy for his years working with elementary students. Randy and other members of the American Legion Post 175 visited with our 5th graders about the flag writing essays sponsored by the American Legion. I enjoyed his visited and I know he loved talking with the students. Brian Summy, Pk-6 Principal Colfax-Mingo Schools"
"He was a great man that taught me many things. I loved him so much. I never wanted him to go. Me and my mother always joked, "He was Invincible" but not all hero's are. We all eventually go. I love you Papa. I soon hope to see you in Heaven. You we're taken too soon."
"I met Randy at the Veterans Hospital, he always willing to give a helping hand I will miss him, even though I didn?t see him as much My thoughts and prayers are with you the family "
"Randy was one of the greatest human beings you could know, he was always about helping others and doing what he could to help the community. Randy will be so dearly missed. My condolences to Adam and family."
"Randy was a wonderful volunteer here in Colfax. I came to know Randy through his involvement with the Colfax Historical Society and was privileged to work with him on numerous occasions. He was quite simply a great guy. We'll miss him very much. Thank you so much Randy for your service and everything you did for this community. "
"My cousin Randy was a wonderful guy he was always very funny and kind he was a great American and love this country with all his heart he leaves behind a great legacy and will always be remembered to his family and friends cake comfort in the fact that God will be with you during these Sad times"
"A very good man taken way too soon."