Harry E. Randall

Harry E. Randall, 92, of 594 North St. Meadville, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at Wesbury United Methodist Community after a period of failing health.

He was born in Meadville July 1, 1916, a son of Edwin J. and Henrietta Smith Randall.  He married Kathryne V. Hessler Stitle August 25, 1979 and she survives.

Harry attended Meadville public schools, and was a veteran of World War II, serving as a Sergeant with the U.S. Army participating in the invasion at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.  He was activated again in 1950 during the Korean Conflict and served as a Lieutenant and Company Commander of Co. B. PA National Guard of Meadville.

He was owner and operator of the former Randall’s Burial service and subsequently served as a Justice of the Peace and District Magistrate in Vernon Twp. for 22 years, retiring in 1983.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church and affiliated with Pine Grove United Methodist Church.  He was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #219, member of Huidekoper VFW Post #2006, member and past president of Vernon Central Volunteer Fire Department, member of Morgantown Masonic Lodge #358, Morgantown, Indiana, member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of New Castle, member and Past President of Crawford County Shrine Club, member of the Crawford County Motor Patrol, member of Zem Zem Shrine Temple of Erie and a member of Kismet Grotto.

Following retirement Harry and Kathryne moved to Florida for 25 years, returning in 2006.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Kathryne of 29 years, include two step-children, Rebecca Brewton and her husband William of Meadville and Richard D. Stitle and his wife Claudia of Aledo, TX, three step-grandchildren and eleven step-great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, Dorothy C. Sliter of Guys Mills and Amy DeVore of Conneaut Lake.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Gladys Adzima and one brother, E.J. “Cork” Randall.

Following cremation, calling hours will be Saturday, February 28th from 10-11 a.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.  The memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Alice McClymonds, Pastor of Pine Grove United Methodist Church, assisted by the Rev. Gerald Walton, Pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating.  Military honors will be provided by Huidekoper VFW Post #2006.

Burial will be in Mumford Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505-5097 or a charity of the donor’s choice.