Randal Eugene Smidt

RANDAL EUGENE SMIDT was born on January 4, 1955, in El Campo, Texas. He took his last ride on January 20, 2018, in the arms of Jesus to his eternal arena in Heaven.

Roping was Randy’s life, and he was dedicated to teaching his two sons, Aaron and Caleb to rope. From rodeo to rodeo, the Smidt family lived the “Cowboy Way” and many cherished friendships were made. Randy also enjoyed hunting and fishing and was “ready to go” whenever Aaron, Caleb or a friend would call.

For 22 years, Randy was employed by the Texas Department of Corrections. Most of those years, he was in the saddle out in the field, or training dogs.  Then, he spent the last 10 to 15 years cowboying and managing ranches.

Randy Smidt was a man of his word, with deep love for his family; Aaron and Caleb were his pride and joy, and he was always their biggest fan.

Randy battled cancer with the utmost strength and courage. His grandson, Cru Tatum (almost 2 years old) brought him many hours of joy.  Cru just “lit up” when he saw his Gramps.  Randy and Cru spent many hours together checking cows and feeding horses, while riding Cru’s favorite vehicle, “TRACTOR!”

Cru did not know it would be the last time, but in Randy’s final hour, Cru put his little toddler hand to his mouth, then blew his Gramps a kiss and softly said, “Bye Bye.”

Randy is survived by his father: Pat Smidt; sister: Lileette Ilse and husband, Kurt, two nephews: Keenan and Kade Ilse; his wife: Denise Smidt; his two sons: Aaron Smidt and Caleb Smidt and wife Brenna, and grandson, Cru Tatum Smidt.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Smidt, his maternal grandparents, Justina and Fabian Strouhal, and paternal grandparents, Thelma and Cornelius Smidt.