Randolph Northern

Randolph Northern was born March 28, 1938, in Kansas City Kansas to William Philmore and Ruthie (Paul) Northern at the family home. Family and friends affectionately call him ‘Randy’.

Randolph attended Lincoln Elementary and Northeast Junior High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Argentine High School in 1957.  His college education included Kansas City, Kansas Community College and graduation from Emporia State Teachers College in 1970.

Randolph was baptized at an early age by Reverend Roy A. Reed at Second Baptist Church and remained very active in this church until his passing.  Randy served as treasurer and member of the Trustee Board, BTU, Adult Choir, Male Chorus, and song leader.  Randolph loved music and loved to sing. His love of music was evidenced in his longtime, active membership in the church’s Senior Choir and singing solos for area events. 

Randolph joined the US Air Force and served from 1960 until 1964; traveling extensively. His traveling adventures were extended across the country when serving as a consultant for Camp Fire, Inc.

Randy's work experience was extensive and varied. His resume lists Jewish Vocational Service (Placement Counselor), Urban League (Development Specialist), Camp Fire, Inc (Council Management Consultant), Eastern Airlines (Ramp Service), Transitional Living Consortium (Job Coach), Kansas Private Industry Council (Coordinator), JCDS (Employment Advisor), Teletech (Trainer), and Republic Airways (Security Agent).

Randolph demeanor was well suited for the various types of individuals and personalities he encountered.  He never really "retired"; he continued to seek opportunities to keep busy.

Randy loved his family. He was at just about every family gathering coming with a honey baked, spiral sliced ham in tow. He took many pictures and would send different shots taken during the year in his Christmas cards.

Randy felt his father, William, was his greatest inspiration and motivator. He provided Randy with pearls of wisdom to live by which were beneficial to him in his life quests.

Randolph was a family historian and enthusiast. He and brother Emanuel investigated the many sources of the Northern Family Tree and were instrumental in reconnecting with our family origins in Jackson, TN. The siblings documented portions of their personal histories which were collected and documented in 2000.

Randolph transitioned to be with his Lord and Savior on April 28, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ruthie Northern, father William Northern, niece Gwendolyn R. Smith, sister Betty L. Northern White, brother James M. Northern, brother Napoleon 'Nip' Northern, niece Hallyne B. White Harris, brother Emanuel Northern, sister Odessa Northern Tate, sister Bertha Northern Beatty, nephew Anthony V. Northern, niece Janna R. Smith and sister Della M. Meyers.

Randolph leaves to cherish his memory brother Ozell (Judy) Northern, 21 nieces and nephews, a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews, other family, Second Baptist Church Family and friends.

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