Paul Dixon Randall

Paul Dixon Randall was born on January 27, 1938, in Richland County, Illinois, the only child of Robert and Dorothy Randall. A devoted man of faith and generosity, Paul was raised in the Church of Christ and remained a lifelong member.

After moving to Colorado, his family eventually settled in Cottage Grove, Oregon, where he graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1956. Paul then attended Central Christian College in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he met and married Jonnie Ann Stockton. The couple moved back to Oregon and raised four daughters: Paula (Mel Rogers), Deanna (Paul Stevens), Shelley (Kevin Hunt), and Kerri (Lynn Meyer). Though Paul and Jonnie divorced in 1999, their shared love for their family remained strong.

From a young age, he was industrious, buying his own Merry Tiller and earning money tilling neighbors' gardens. Before his career in education, Paul worked at Boeing in Seattle and after returning to Eugene, he briefly worked at a chicken packing plant in the basement of what is now the 5th Street Public Market. He then became a draftsman for the City of Eugene. Through postgraduate studies at Eastern Washington State College, Paul earned a degree in Education. He spent the next 30 years in the Eugene 4-J school district as an elementary school teacher, counselor, and principal. Paul was known for making learning fun and for his memorable stories and field trips to his farm. Hay rides, zip lining, 4-wheeler rides and drinking water from a hose were just a few of the activities that would probably be prohibited now. Summer projects included Randall’s Backhoe Service that he owned and operated with his dad as well as raising cattle, fixing fence and baling hay. After retiring in 1993, Paul continued to work as a temporary principal and liaison for Charter schools across the country, concluding his career at Ridgeline Montessori School in Eugene.

In 2001, Paul married Susan Doyle and became a supportive figure in the lives of her children: Angie (Joey Villelli), Patrick (Samantha), and Tyler. Together, Paul and Susan built their home in Creswell, enjoying farm life and hosting family and friends often. Paul spent many hours on his porch and enjoyed watching the harvest of the nearby grass seed farmers and counting the train cars going by. Paul and Susan’s home was a place of warm hospitality. Those who were blessed to visit usually left with cracked walnuts, farm-fresh eggs, and hand-pressed cider.

 Paul’s retirement was filled with acts of service through volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Creswell Public Schools, Creswell Church of Christ, and tutoring athletes at the University of Oregon. Paul was also always ready to lend a helping hand, especially if it involved pouring concrete, digging holes or moving old barns. He would never pass up any item on the side of the road and only drove vehicles that were less than reliable. He loved tractors, planting trees, burn piles, porch swings, Prairie Road Market hot dogs, estate sales, sunrises and NOT traveling. “Papa” Paul also adored his grandchildren. Even though his terms of endearment for them may not have shown it, he was their biggest fan. He took a front row seat to all their activities and achievements and was a generous supporter in all their successes. They will remember him for his work ethic, sense of humor, generosity, dinner prayers, fruit salad (with and without yogurt), deviled eggs, Christmas poems and the trips to Dairy Queen on the short bus.

Paul passed away at the age of 86 on December 1, 2024 after a two year struggle with aplastic anemia. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law and an infant great-grandson. He is survived by his wife Susan, his four daughters, three step-children, 12 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Creswell Church of Christ at 2 pm on January 11, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Creswell Church of Christ or www.waterwellsforafrica.org