Edward Bowdre Randolph passed on January 29, 2020 in Fresno, CA in his home, surrounded by family after a long illness due to heart failure. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, on March 19, 1936 to Aaron and Annie Randolph. His family attended Mt. Zion Baptist church where he was involved as a youth. He also attended the local school and graduated from Jefferson High School. He enlisted in the U.S. military at age l7, serving just a short time before being sent home and told to come back when he was 18. This was one of his many stories he would tell of his military days. Upon returning, he enrolled into the Defense Language lnstitute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey. Once completed he started his tour of duty at European bases including France and Germany. He was a decorated officer of the Vietnam War. ln Vietnam, he was a medic and ran many hospital units on the front line. lt was during his military service that he met his future wife, Ruth Ann Pennington. He received several medals during his tours including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medals. When he retired from a 23-year military career as 1st Sergeant of the U.S. Army on July 1, 1976, he moved to Fresno starting his second "career" of life. He and Ruth bought a house in the country and stared a farm. He spent time with his sons taking care of the animals and living a simple family life. He became involved in the educational community by becoming a member of the school board of West Park Elementary School District and continued to serve in that capacity for almost 40 years. Wanting to continue his education, he attended and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Professional Studies at the University of San Francisco in 1983. Later in his life he enjoyed being with his wife, sons, grandchildren and many family members that visited.
Proceeding Edward in death were his parents, 4 brother’s and 2 sisters. Those remaining to cherish his precious memories are his wife Ruth, sons, Eddie, Edward Jr. and fiancee Gail, Edwin and wife Bernice, and Randy and wife Leticia, his nephew Neal Collins and wife Nellie, his chosen daughter lva Stacy. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild as well as a host of nieces, nephew, sisters and brother’s in law, cousins and wonderful friends.
Edward's wife and sons would like to express their appreciation to all of our family and friends for the support, help and prayers during this time. A special thanks to lva Stacy, everything you did will always be remembered in our hearts.
