from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — John E. Randall, Sr., 90, died Aug. 4, 2013, at the Barnwell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Valatie, N.Y.

Born in Valatie, N.Y., on Jan. 25, 1923, he was the son of the late Leland G. Randall, Sr. and Elizabeth Brahm Randall. His wife of 54 years, Catherine J. Van Hise Randall, preceded him in death on Oct. 18, 2000.

Mr. Randall was a World War II veteran, having served in the Army Air Force from Feb. 1942 to Nov. 1945. During this time he served in the China-Burma-India campaign, as well as in the Western Pacific Theater.

He was an owner, trainer and driver of Standardbreds for 42 years, retiring in 1997. He was a member of the USTA, the Old Timers Harness Club, the New York Racing Association and one of the original members of the Empire Driving Club.

One of the highlights of his life was when his horse Hortense Barmin was inducted into the Saratoga Harness Horse Hall of Fame.

He was a past commander of the American Legion John W. McConnell Post No. 47 in Valatie, as well as a rural newspaper carrier for the Times Union, retiring after 25 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Joann Stever; sons, John E. Jr. (Sally) and Jay (Dawn); grandchildren, Timothy (Ashley) Stever, John E. III, Elizabeth, Adam and Kaitlin; great-granddaughter, Abigail Stever; niece, Sondra Odgen; and cousin, Iva Riordan of Troy. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Leland G. Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral at 12 noon on Wednesday (Aug. 7), from the Bond Funeral Home, Route 9, Valatie, NY. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, immediately prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Valatie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valatie Fire Department, Valatie, NY 12184 or the Niverville Fire Department, P.O. Box 422, Niverville, NY 12130.