Thomas Randles

Thomas “Popeye”/“Old Man” Randles Sr., 80 of Zanesville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on December 8, 2023, at his residence under Genesis Hospice Care.
Tom was a fighter to the very end, having fought cancer 3 times in the last 4 years and recently being diagnosed with underlying dementia. His last bout of chemo in September of this year, started a downhill battle and he sadly began declining rapidly. His last month with his family included 2 hospital stays, 2 stays at Adams Lane Care Center and then he was finally brought home under the care of hospice. Tom fought the good fight, waiting for every family member to get the chance to come home and grant him the wish of not having to suffer any longer. His long-time friend and past neighbor, Bishop James Gaiters, paid him a visit on Thursday December 7th and led him to the Lord to be welcomed into his heavenly reward.
Thomas was born on October 24, 1943, in Zanesville, Ohio, son of the late Charles Randles and Dorothy (Dillon) Randles-Norris. He joined the U.S. Army February of 1963 and was discharged in March of 1967 to reenlist in April of 1967 into the U.S. Navy, where he transferred to the USNAB in Coro, CA, as a Navy welding student in June of 1967 and received the Welders Qualification Record Card in June of 1968. He received duty in March of 1969 at USS Grand Canyon, giving him his final honorable discharge in January 1973. His decorations, medals, and commendations include National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Meritorious Unit commendation in the Republic of Vietnam. Upon discharge from the Navy, he worked for McGraw Edison until he found his final occupation with the B&O Railroad, in which he worked for 13 years before taking his service retirement.
Tom was a member of the American Legion of Dresden. He enjoyed taking good care of his garden, playing basketball with the Spangler Spankies, playing horseshoes, and was a cornhole champ amongst the neighborhood. As all the kids grew up, he became the Mayor of Spangler and his lifelong friend’s keeper, always checking in on everyone. Lately, Tom enjoyed collecting coins and sports cards, attending all Zanesville City School football games from biddy league through high school, carrying on the yearly tradition with his sons, grandsons, and family friends.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sue E. (Roberts) Randles; sons, Terry (Mary) Randles, Thomas (Angela) Randles Jr., Tim (Peggy) Randles, Todd (Jacquie) Randles; grandchildren, Ashly (Ryan) Rothenstine, Kristen (Travis) Thompson, Taylor (Ted) Rietschlin, TJ (Lindy) Randles, Jordan (Michael) Burkett, Alyssa (Jarett) Fortner, Tyler Hill, Trevor Randles, David (Jessica) Roberts, Katie (Zach) Sims, Ashley (Manu) Mukerji, Tiffany (Joe) Eddy, Duane (Sarah) Eddy, Josh Eddy; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Tammy (Tom) Aronhault; brother, Pat Norris; special niece, Marilyn (Jamie) Brookover; special nephew, Jeff (Jennie) Alexander; several other nieces and nephews; special lifelong neighbors and friends, Sally and Dana Downey, George and Starla Shreve, Frank, Brian, Rhonda, and Roddy Moore, Ronda Osborne, Mike Carpenter, Chad Rider, Trish Morgan, Sue Daniels, Sandy Willoughby, Tong Han- Simpkins, who referred to him as PAPA; his very special pet chihuahua and his only girl, Gigi; and his grandpup, Skippy.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Buzz and Margaret Fleming; brothers, Mike and Tim Norris; sisters, Linda (Gary) Alexander, Betsy Coon; brother-in-law, Frank Coon; sister-in-law, Debbie Norris; nephews, Chuck and Gus Alexander; special neighbors, Betty and Rod Moore, Randy and Martha Carpenter, Bev Rider.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday December 12, 2023, from 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home. The Randles family will be accepting visitors on Wednesday December 13, 2023, from 4:00 PM- 5:00 PM, where services will be held at 5:00 PM with Bishop James Gaiters officiating. Full military honors will be presented by The United States Navy in conjunction with the VFW George Selsam Post 1058 and the American Legion Post 29. A dignified cremation will be held following services. Tom will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.
DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home is assisting the Randles family with arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook or leave your condolences, please visit www.delongbakerlanning.com