05/05/2026
Don Arthur Randall
Don Arthur Randall, 95, passed away peacefully at his apartment at Boardman Glens on Friday, March 27, with his loving family at his side.
Don was born April 7, 1930, on the family farm near Mesick, Michigan, the fifth of eight children to Leon A. and E. Glee (Weaver) Randall. With his paternal grandmother in the home and maternal grandparents close by, Don recalled those early years warmly. Hunting and fishing with his brothers and boyhood friends, along the nearby Fletcher Creek and Manistee River, as well as farm chores and time spent in the sugar maple grove, provided a lifetime of pleasurable memories. Don attended Brookside and Mesick Consolidated Schools.
He participated in high school basketball, track, tennis, and theatre, and served as class president for five years. In the fall of his sophomore year, with Don behind the wheel of his 1937 Ford, a carload of students heading to a football game included classmate Elsie Mannor. They became sweethearts throughout their high school years. In 1949, following the passing of his father, Don took on the responsibilities of the farm while continuing his education, graduating in May 1950.
He then joined his brother Leon in Grand Rapids and worked as an inspector at American Seating Company. In February 1951, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the 31st Dixie Division at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. In January 1952, he was sent to Korea, where he served with the 92nd Armored Field Artillery before transferring to 9th Corps Headquarters, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1953. Don was the fifth of six members of his family to serve in the military.
While on a 30-day leave en route to Korea, Don and Elsie were married on December 28, 1951, at her mother’s home in Harrietta, Michigan. Thus began a loving and devoted union that would span 74 years. Upon returning home in February 1953, Don became employed in Cadillac with Chris-Craft Corporation, working on the 17-foot Runabout. During seasonal layoffs, he worked at various times as a contractor, plumber, electrician, and mason, gaining many skills that he later used in building and maintaining his homes, his woods, and the island he and Elsie would own for 30 years.
He enjoyed machinery, tools, and automobiles, as well as the challenge of repairing equipment or accurately felling a tree. During their years in Cadillac, Don became a member of the First United Methodist Church and its choir. Their daughter, Lisa Elene, was born in Cadillac in 1957.
In 1960, the family moved to Flint, Michigan, where Don attended the Flint Institute of Barbering. He completed his studies and took his state board examinations in Detroit on May 1, 1961; son Scott was born earlier that same morning. Don then moved the family to Central Lake, Michigan, for a summer apprenticeship. In August, he accepted a position at Pat Karns Barbershop on West Front Street in Traverse City, where he barbered for the next 27 years, later acquiring ownership after Pat’s passing.
Don thoroughly enjoyed his profession, barbering in downtown Traverse City until 2013. Over 52 years, he experienced many highlights, serving clients from all walks of life. For several years, he also cut hair monthly at a local nursing home and never refused a request from someone who was hospitalized or homebound. He had a special way with handicapped or apprehensive children. Don cut the hair of three and four generations of several families. He also held a license in the State of Arizona and barbered there for twelve winters.
Don and Elsie became members of Traverse City Central United Methodist Church in November 1961, where he remained active until his death. He served for over 40 years as an usher, supported all choir functions, and assisted with church school classes for young children in earlier years. For a period of summers, Don and Elsie served as chairpersons for Central’s “Church in the Park.” For several years, Don also served as a Big Brother. During his children’s early school years, he was active in the PTA and TC Music Boosters. Later, he became an active member of the Korean Veterans Association and Cherryland Post 2780 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served on the honor guard for many years, participating in hundreds of services.
Surviving Don are his wife, Elsie; his children and their spouses, Lisa and John Simpson of Beaver Island, Michigan, and Scott and Pam (Prebble) Randall of Flagstaff, Arizona; and his granddaughter, Erica Randall Parlaman, her husband Ian Parlaman, and their daughter, Eliza “Liz” Parlaman of Flagstaff. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Preceding Don in death were all of his siblings and their spouses: Lorraine and William Sublett; Richard Randall (WWII); Rev. Paul and Ella Randall; Leon Jr.; Betty Randall; Delores Randall; Elaine and Douglas Burton; and Ronald Randall. Memorial contributions in remembrance of Don may be directed to Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, for its mission projects, or to Big Brothers Big Sisters TC.
The memorial service for Don will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass Street, Traverse City, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, with Rev. Linda Stephan presiding. The family will receive visitors in the Gathering Place beginning at 1:00 p.m., Full Military Honors for Don will take place following the service, and a luncheon will be served following the honors.
Cremation has taken place. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
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