Randal Kieth Hobbs, son of the late Lloyd and Virginia (Thomas) Hobbs, was born December 8, 1950, in Thayer, Missouri. He passed away on Friday, November 4, 2022, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri surrounded by family at the age of 71.
He was united in marriage September 13, 1969, in Thayer, Missouri to Linda Waldrop. They were privileged to share 53 years together.
Randal is survived by his wife Linda Hobbs; two daughters, Rhonda Blum and husband Rich of Thayer, Missouri and Gayla Olbricht and husband Josh of Rolla, Missouri; two grandchildren, Garrett and Abby Blum of Thayer, Missouri; sister-in-law Murlene Curtis and husband Speedy of West Plains, Missouri; one niece Lisa Hall and husband Peter of Jefferson City, Missouri, and their family; special cousins, other relatives, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Virginia Hobbs; two aunts, Irene McCutchen and husband Charles, and Norma Thomas.
Randal was a graduate of Thayer High School with the class of 1968. He served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Knox, Kentucky as a mechanic from 1970 to 1972. Following his discharge from the Army he worked for Fred Shoemaker as a general repairman and welder, then at Mammoth Spring Auto as a mechanic until 1983. He then began working for the Missouri Department of Transportation until his retirement in 2007.
Randal had a lifelong love for Harley Davidson motorcycles and classic cars (especially 57 Chevys). He also loved collecting sports cards and bargain hunting at yard sales and antique malls. His more recent interests included traveling, fishing, and reading westerns.
Randal was a Christian, attending Midway Pentecostal Church in Thayer, Missouri for many years. He was always willing to help others, rarely asking for help in return. He loved spending time and sharing his hobbies with his family and close friends. He was “Grampy” to his two grandkids, whom he adored and accompanied on many school trips and events. He especially enjoyed following NHL hockey with his grandson, Garrett, and drawing and having creative adventures with his granddaughter Abby. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Services for Randal will be at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri. Family night will be from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday November 10, 2022, and funeral services will be Friday November 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Anthony Woods will be officiating over the service with special speakers Speedy Curtis and Bryan Waldrop. Burial will follow at Thayer Cemetery with a Military Honor Guard Service under the directions of Carter Funeral Home, Thayer Missouri.
