Louis Edward Randolph, Sr. was born on February 22, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas to the parents of Lorean and Walter Randolph Sr.  He was preceded in death by his parents, oldest sister, Ruthelle Stevenson of Kansas City, MO, three brothers, his twin, Henry Randolph of Doddridge, AR, Walter Randolph of Kansas City, MO, and Charles Randolph of Minneapolis, MN, his baby sister, Ruby Jewell Randolph of Kansas City, MO.

Although he was born in Arkansas, he lived the majority of his life in Kansas City, Missouri.  He attended Manual Career Tech Center (then called Manual High School) and grew up primarily in the 12 ^th street area.  Louis lived life to the fullest like no one else, he was well known for being a drag racer. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing, going to the dog races and the casino.

Louis worked for 14 years as a highly skilled welder at Kenworth/Dart as well as working independently as a self-taught mechanic.

Most called him "Louis", but you could call him Big Lou.  His loud cursing and personable manner were heard from as far away as you could possibly imagine.  He would come up to you, thump you in the head, pick you up by the ankles, or give you a piece of candy if you were a kid because he simply loved kids.  He was the kind of man who never knew what a stranger was. To him, everybody was a friend.  He was known for having a heart of pure gold.  There was NOTHING you couldn't ask him for.

Louis departed this life on Sunday, July 14, 2019, at his home with his family.  Anyone who knows Louis knows he wouldn't have it any other way.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Catherine Barela of 52 years; daughter, DeAnna Jean Barela; son, Louis Edward Barela; granddaughters Leilani Arie Barela and Sadii J'Lynne Barela; grandson, Vicenzo Vi Barela/Randolph; sister, Katherine Taylor-Randolph; brother , Carl Randolph; sister-in-law, Annie Randolph, and a host of relatives, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Services for Mr. Randolph will be held 12:00 P.M. Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Gethsemane C.O.G.I.C. with Pastor Daryl Randolph officiating.  Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.