Randy Westhoff

Randy Westhoff, 73, of Parsons, passed away the afternoon of Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Labette Health.

John Randall Westhoff was born on August 30, 1950, to Lloyd "Curly" and Elizabeth (Fanning) Westhoff in Parsons, Kansas.  He grew up and attended elementary school in Parsons and was a varsity athlete at Labette County High School from which he graduated in 1968.

On August 12, 1972, Randy and Lily Dyann Smith were united in holy matrimony in Cherryvale, Kansas.  His greatest pride and joy were his wife and family.  He loved the life he built with his wife in the home where they have lived for 46 years.

Besides his wife, Lily, Randy's other survivors include:

One son – Scott Westhoff and his wife, Tabitha, of Parsons, Kansas

One daughter – Julie Eckstein and her husband, Brian, of Plainfield, Illinois

Six grandchildren – Ashten, Conner, Elizabeth, Kyle, Anna, and Tyler

One brother – Robert Westhoff and his wife, Martha

Three sisters – Janie Fentress, Cindy Vandervoort, and Debra Reeves and her husband Mark

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Rodney Westhoff and Jerry Westhoff.

In early years, Randy served in the Naval Reserve until being medically discharged.  He then worked at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant until he started his career at the Parsons Credit Union, where he eventually became the manager.

A devout Catholic, Randy was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and after it closed, was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.  He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and had served as the Grand Knight.

Hunting and fishing were his passion and he became a self-educated taxidermist.  He loved helping people bring their hobby into their homes through his taxidermy work.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.  The Knights of Columbus rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., Monday, with the parish rosary prayed at 6:30 p.m., at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  The family will receive friends following the rosary.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic Church.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.