Obituary of W. Jon Randolph

W. Jon Randolph, 78, of State College, died Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Mount Nittany Medical Center surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born January 8, 1937, in Bellefonte, he was a son of the late Faye L. “Curley” and Helen Chandler Randolph. On March 25, 1960, Jon married the former Bonnie Hartsock, who survives. Jon is also survived by two children, Beth Ann Hutchinson and her husband, Erik, of Ashburn, VA, and Donald R. Randolph of State College; and his sister-in-law, Connie Randolph of State College. He was predeceased by his brothers, David C. and Fred C. Randolph and David’s wife, Frances. Jon graduated from State College High School in 1954 and began working at The Centre Daily Times leaving in 1960 to join the United States Army. As an expert marksman and member of the Honor Guard, he was stationed at NORAD as a cryptographer. Upon his honorable discharge in 1962, Jon continued as a pressman for the Centre Daily Times until his retirement in 1999. An avid sports fan, Jon loved the NY Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers as well as the Penn State Nittany Lions. He was also a very talented left-handed pitcher for Pine Grove Mills baseball team in his youth and softball fielder for Nittany Gas & Oil as an adult. Jon was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church; American Legion Post 245 in State College; Veterans of Foreign Wars in State College and Pine Grove Mills; and B.P.O.E Lodge # 1600, State College, and Lodge #1094, Bellefonte. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held Sunday, October 25 at the American Legion Post #245, 1950 Pine Hall Dr., State College, from Noon until 3:00 PM. Dress is casual. Graveside service with military honors will follow at 3:30 PM in Pine Grove Mills Cemetery, South Nixon Road, just outside of Pine Grove Mills. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 1375 Martin St #206, State College, PA 16803; American Legion Post 245, 1950 Pine Hall Dr., State College, PA 16801 in memory of W. Jon Randolph. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.