Houston Max “Houy” Randolph Jr., 75, passed away on June 25, 2026, leaving behind a family and community that loved him deeply.
Houy was born on December 13, 1950, in Marshall, Missouri, to Houston Max Randolph Sr. and Lily Ruth (Joplin) Randolph. He spent his life doing what he loved most-taking care of his family, serving others, and building relationships that lasted a lifetime.
For nearly 50 years, Houy was the face of Randolph Farm Equipment, the family business started by his dad and grandpa in 1951. To him, customers were never just customers. They became friends, and many became like family. He loved visiting with people, telling stories, and making everyone who walked through the door feel welcome. If the creek started to rise, you could count on finding Houy outside with sandbags, doing everything he could to protect the business that meant so much to his family.
More than anything, Houy loved his family.
He married the love of his life, Marla (Plackemeier), on August 6, 1973, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and always being there for one another. He was incredibly proud of his three boys, Mark, Reid, and Josh, and spent years coaching their baseball, basketball, and flag football teams. When one season ended, he was already in the yard getting the boys ready for the next one. Some of their best memories were made right there at home.
Then came the title he loved most-“Pop.”
His grandchildren, Olivia, Logan, Kennedy, Londyn, Adaleigh, and Everly were the light of his life. He rarely missed a game, concert, school program, or activity. If his grandkids were there, so was Pop. He loved cheering them on, celebrating their accomplishments, and simply spending time with them.
Houy also loved teaching Sunday school and sharing his faith. He enjoyed working in his yard, going for walks, and celebrating the Fourth of July with family and fireworks. He was competitive, athletic, and always ready for a game, but he was just as well known for his sense of humor. He loved making people laugh and could usually find a way to make any situation a little lighter.
He had a way of making people feel important. Whether you had known him your whole life or had just met him, he made you feel like a friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Houston Max Randolph Sr. and Lily Ruth (Joplin) Randolph, and his grandparents, S. H. and Ella Randolph.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marla Randolph; his sons, Mark (Bridgett) Randolph, Reid Randolph, and Josh (Amanda) Randolph; his brother, David (Cindi) Randolph; his sisters, Roberta (Gary) Kimes and Sandra (Ray) Anderson; and his beloved grandchildren, Olivia, Logan, Kennedy, Londyn, Adaleigh, and Everly Randolph.
If you knew Houy, you knew someone who loved God, loved his family, worked hard, and never met a stranger. He showed up for people. He invested in kids. He believed in community. His legacy isn’t just the business his family built or the teams he coached, it’s the people whose lives are better because they knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carrollton Booster Club or First Baptist Church of Carrollton, Missouri.
Funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1st at First Baptist Church in Carrollton. Visitation is 1 p.m. Burial is in Oak Hill Cemetery in Carrollton. In lieu of flowers contributions suggested to Carrollton Booster Club or the church. Parker Millard Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of arrangements.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
