Duane "Randy" Randall
January 22, 1935 - May 18, 2025
Duane “Randy” Randall, age 90 of West Bloomfield, passed away on May 18, 2025.
Randy’s life was defined by devotion—to his family, to his work, and to his community. Randy attended Henry Ford Trade School, where he proudly earned his journeyman’s card as a member of the school’s final graduating class. He went on to join Ford Motor Company and worked his way up the ranks as an assembly line supervisor at the historic Rouge Plant. Among his most treasured memories was guiding Walt Disney on a tour of the assembly line—an experience he recounted with great pride.
During his time at Ford, Randy’s care for others extended well beyond his work duties. After several medical emergencies in the plant, he was tasked with teaching CPR to the workforce. His skill and dedication led him to bring this life-saving knowledge into his own community. Over a remarkable 43-year career, Randy retired as a respected Design Engineer.
While Randy’s professional accomplishments were many, it was his personal life that truly brought him joy. He met the love of his life, Jo Ann Hamilton, on a casual drive around town—a chance meeting that blossomed into a beautiful 58-year marriage. They wed on September 20, 1957, and together raised a loving family while Randy worked and attended Lawrence Technological University.
Randy found joy in the simple pleasures of life: tending to his tomato garden, playing cards with neighbors, and watching classic westerns, especially those featuring John Wayne. He loved motorcycles, classic cars, and had a particular fascination with Civil War-era firearms. A history enthusiast at heart, he and his wife Jo Ann and daughter Lauren would dress in period attire and target shoot at Greenfield Village. Randy and Jo Ann also shared a love of dancing, often spending evenings together line dancing. After Jo Ann’s passing, Randy took up ballroom dancing, finding both joy and companionship in learning something new. Boy Scouts Troop 1000 was a huge, huge part of Randy’s life—he poured his passion for the outdoors, leadership, and hands-on skills into mentoring young scouts and participating in countless troop activities. His annual hunting trips up north and family vacations—whether camping or visiting Jo Ann’s family in New Hampshire—were highlights of his year. He and Jo Ann also cherished their winters at their home in Arizona.
Above all, Randy adored his grandchildren, whom he affectionately called his “peanuts.” He never missed a sporting event or recital, always present and proud.
Randy’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Randy was the beloved husband of the late Jo Ann for 58 years. Loving father of Lynda (the late Mark) Tootalian, Patricia Vezina, Kimberly (Jeff) Smart, Richard (Paula) Randall, Michael Randall, Lauren (Derik) Hoeltzel, and 12 foster children. Proud grandfather of Kari Tootalian, Nicholas (Emily) Tootalian, Christopher (Rachel) Vezina, Brittany (Kent) Roesler, Kayla Smart, Rebecca (Andrew) Holstad, Hayden Smart, John Randall, Alison Randall, Amanda Randall, Jennifer Randall and Parker Randall. Great grandfather of Elias, Ezra, and Gwendolyn Tootalian, and Madeline and McCoy Roesler. Cherished son of the late Vera Randall. Dearest brother of the late Shirley Szukaitis and Virginia Shafer. Mr. Randall was also preceded in death by his dear childhood friend, the late Dick Strock.
Visitation for Mr. Randall will be held on Thursday, May 29th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Visitation will continue Friday, May 30th, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Randall will be laid to rest in Pine Lake Cemetery, West Bloomfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Randall’s name may be directed to a charity of your choice.