Randy James Reese was born on August 10, 1948, to Jimmy and Darlene Reese and passed away on March 23, 2025, at the age of 76. Randy grew up in Runnells, raised by his mother and grandparents, Marion and Ellen Scovel, along with his brother Gary and sister-in-law Jeanne, after the death of his father when he was just 8 years old. He was known for his mischievous spirit, enjoying elaborate Halloween pranks and sneaking out for late-night pool and poker games. One memorable story involves Randy taking a bet from a "town tough guy" to fight in the Golden Gloves in Des Moines. Although he lost the fight, he won the bet, a testament to his fearless and determined nature.

Randy had a passion for sports and was a starter for the Runnells football team, which became Southeast Polk High School. He never quit anything, and after scoring a winning touchdown, he was involved in a bench-clearing brawl in the end zone, led by his brother Gary.

After graduating at 17, Randy joined the Iowa Army National Guard, where he quickly excelled, becoming the barracks leader in charge of much older men. He served as a military policeman during the riots of the sixties, a role that gave him mixed feelings about going against his fellow countrymen. He later transitioned to the "Radar" of a medical company (for those who followed MASH), where he could find anything his Company needed. Randy retired after 18 years of service.

Randy spent many years in hospitality management, working at several Des Moines area restaurants. During his time at Denny's, he met and hired his future wife, Linda. He also worked at the famous Chi Chi's, where he implemented effective marketing and service strategies, making the business a household name and leading to long wait times for a table on Saturday nights.

In his spare time, Randy renewed his love of playing ball with fast-pitch softball where he was known for hard-nosed catching, dead-on bunting, and head first slides. Over his career, he played and coached for various teams, including Reames, Bombers, Deever Roofing, Des Moines Merchants, amd his longest stint with the High Boys. Randy achieved two lifetime goals: obtaining his Iowa coaching certificate in 2018, although he was unable to coach due to health issues and being inducted into the Des Moines Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2023, a feat that brought him great pride.

An avid golfer, Randy had the great fortune to manage Rolling Hills Golf Course, a small nine-hole course with an additional executive course. When he arrived, the course was struggling, but with his innovative and often crazy marketing ideas, Randy turned it into a thriving business. He worked endless hours with the help of his wife Linda, his brother Gary, and numerous volunteers. Randy's favorite pastime was "holding court" on the patio, where he would converse with everyone. He organized large tournaments and fundraisers every weekend, started couples, ladies, and men's nights, and established a summer junior golf camp that grew to over 150 campers, teaching them the game, golf etiquette, and safety.

Randy is survived by his wife of 26 years, Linda; sons J.R.(Monique), Rustin (Kara), Jared; and stepson Jacob. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Cole (Emily), Jesse (Riley), Dylan (Gabby), Gabbi, Hunter, Ashley, James, and Maelee; great-grandchildren Ayvanna and Adalynn (Ashley), Charlotte and Link (Cole); sister Marta (Bob); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Darlene; his sister, Sharon; and his brother, Gary (Brother) Beck.

Randy will be missed for his dry wit, big smile, and generosity. Once, while living out of a van, he split his last $1.50 with a homeless man, which is a testament to the kind of person he was. Randy will be remembered for his zest for life, always being a gamer, and never giving up.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Runnells Christian Church. Burial will take place at Lowman Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday from 9:30 – 11:00 am at the church. Memorials may be directed to Taylor House Hospice and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com