Randal Allen “Randy” McDowell, 62, of Goshen, passed away peacefully at Elkhart General Hospital on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, at 3:55 a.m., following a brief but fiercely fought battle with cancer. True to the way he lived his life, Randy faced his illness with courage, grit, and an unshakable sense of humor. He was surrounded by the love of his family as he took his final rest.

Randy was born on December 11, 1963, in Charleston, West Virginia, the beloved son of Bruce A. and Rosemary (Cox) McDowell. He carried with him the values instilled by his parents—hard work, loyalty, and compassion—throughout his life. While his father precedes him in death, Randy’s cherished mother, Rosemary, survives him and resides in Elkhart.

Those who knew Randy knew a man who loved deeply and without reservation. He was an endlessly proud father to his daughter, Sarah (Nicholas) McDowell of Milford, and his sons, Andrew R. McDowell of Syracuse and David M. (Hannah M. Estes) Manuszak of Elkhart. He was an adoring grandfather to Oliver, Oakley, Owyn, and Onyx Hill, who were quite certain Grandpa Randy could do no wrong—and they were probably right. He delighted in every moment spent with them, whether attending games, planning trips, or simply being present, offering encouragement, laughter, and unconditional love.

Randy is also survived by his sisters, Beth VanderMolen of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Laura McDowell of South Bend; his nephews, Ryan (Amanda) and Kyle (Jessica) VanderMolen, both of Grand Rapids; a niece Kary (Mike) Gregory, also of Grand Rapids, and a large and loving circle of extended family, close friends, fellow golfers, and his cherished firefighting brothers and sisters.

For nearly two decades, Randy worked as a business technician, servicing office equipment of every imaginable type—from copiers and fax machines to communication systems that most people were afraid to touch. Most recently, he worked for the Hillman Group, a role that perfectly suited him. It allowed him to travel, explore new places, and meet new people—three things Randy genuinely loved. He had a knack for fixing things, whether it was a stubborn machine, a complicated problem, or sometimes even a bad mood.

However, it was Randy’s service with the Osolo Township Fire Department that stood as one of the proudest chapters of his life. For more than twenty years, Randy served his community with dedication, humility, and heart, rising to the rank of Battalion Chief. He also devoted many years as a member of Osolo’s Board of Directors, helping guide the department he loved so deeply.

To his fellow firefighters, Randy was the kind of man you wanted beside you—steady under pressure, knowledgeable, practical, and absolutely dependable. Yet, alongside that professionalism lived a legendary sense of humor. Randy was famous for his well-planned practical jokes, many of which were executed with impeccable timing and just enough mischief to become firehouse lore. He believed laughter was as important as readiness, and he made the fire station feel like a second home. Fiercely loyal and deeply committed, Randy was not just a firefighter—he was family.

Outside of work and service, Randy embraced life with enthusiasm. He was a devoted sports fan and an even more devoted supporter of his children and grandchildren. He coached baseball and T-ball, attended countless games, and could always be found cheering from the sidelines—especially when Sarah played, and later when Oliver took the field. He never missed an opportunity to show up for those he loved.

Randy was also a well-known and avid golfer, a passion he pursued with near-religious devotion. He loved to joke with his children that he “never had time” for them because he had to golf—though everyone knew this was never truly the case. He even worked for a time at Four Lakes Golf Course in Edwardsburg, Michigan, a job he thoroughly enjoyed, as it combined his love of the game with good company and fresh air. When bowling leagues later became part of his routine, he proved himself quite skilled—right up until a thrown-out back convinced him it might be time to retire from that particular sport. After that, he turned his expert analysis toward watching the Chicago Bears, faithfully offering unsolicited coaching advice from the comfort of his couch.

Randy was a man who never met a stranger. His smile lit up a room, his laugh was infectious, and his easygoing nature made people feel instantly at home. He loved fiercely, gave generously, and worked tirelessly to ensure his family had not only what they needed, but what brought them joy.

And finally—because it simply wouldn’t be Randy without mentioning it—he was an unapologetic, enthusiastic fan of Volcano’s Pizza. Whether it was a pepperoni pizza or a meatball and cheese sandwich, Randy was always ready to “chow down,” firmly believing it to be the best pizza in town, a stance he defended with great conviction.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart are assisting with Randy’s arrangements. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with services at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Jeremy Sarber will officiate, and members of the Osolo Township Fire Department Honor Guard will render firefighter’s honors just prior to the service. In accordance with Randy’s wishes, cremation will follow, and he will be returned home to remain close to the family he loved so dearly.

Memorial donations may be made to the Osolo Township Fire Department, in honor of a man who gave so much of his heart, time, and life to serving others.

Randy McDowell leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, love, and loyalty—one that will continue to echo in firehouses, on golf courses, around family tables, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.