WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Randall R. Painter passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021, at his home in Gilbert, Arizona. Randall was born on September 22, 1929 in Mineola, NY to Chester and Edith Randall Painter, and over the years has called many different places “home,” the most significant being Three Rivers.
When Randall was a freshman at Lafayette College in 1947, he decided that he wanted to go into the ministry. His decision was based on his deep desire to be of service to others, and for his life to make a difference to the world and to other people. Randall’s life indeed reflects the fulfillment of his goals.
Randall’s journey in ministry began in 1951, with his enrolment at Princeton Theological Seminary. His first call to ministry, while still in Seminary, was at Laurel Lake Presbyterian Church in PA, in the summer of 1953. Though he fainted during his sermon on a hot summer Sunday, he got up and finished that sermon, and many more to come. During his career, Randall served congregations at the Brick Church in NYC; Bronxville Reformed Church, NY; Northminster Presbyterian Church, Endwell, NY; Oak Park/River Forest, IL; Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville; John Knox Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids; and Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, MI. During his career, Randall also served as moderator of the Presbytery and head of the Committee on Ministry, and was quite involved on boards of various community organizations, resulting in the Three Rivers Lion’s Club naming him Citizen of the Year in 1978. Amidst all of that, he still found time to earn his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling at Western Michigan University, and to teach Philosophy at Glen Oaks Community College.
Randall retired from the ministry in 1995, but he did not retire from service to the community, support of the Church and Presbytery, or having fun and pursuing his interests. Randall had a deep love of music, and retirement allowed him time to dust off his clarinet and play again. Randall enjoyed playing with the Otsego Community Band, Kalamazoo Symphony Band, Gray Community Band, Three Rivers German Band, and Sturgis Wind Symphony. He also loved singing in the choir and playing in the bell choir at the church in Three Rivers.
Throughout his journey in ministry, and beyond, Randall was accompanied by “the breath of my life,” his wife, Paula. Randall and Paula were married on August 23, 1952, and were an inseparable team through all of their life adventures.
Randall is survived by his wife of 69 years, Paula Painter; son John (Patricia) Painter; son Donald (Debby) Painter; grandchildren Kimberly Painter (Alex) Evrard, Jeffrey (Jessi) Painter, and Erik (Kat) Gincig; great grandchildren Desmond, Amelia and Tobias; and several nieces and nephews. Randall was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Chester Painter.
It is with the deepest love we say, well done, good and faithful servant.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church Three Rivers/Centreville, 320 N. Main St., Three Rivers.
The service will be available on Zoom at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89806507455?pwd=TzlIZzFiN0YxbmpIK3VWRlhqbHNBQT09
Meeting ID: 898 0650 7455
Passcode: 484840
Local arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.
