Randol Walker

Randol Walker, born in Stilwell, OK, moved to Chase, Kansas, when he was adopted at age four by his Uncle Jerry Walker and Aunt Ruth Walker who became his beloved Mom and Dad. He joked that his “maiden” name was McKee. He was married 62 years to Bonnie Evans Walker who survives. Other survivors are son, Christopher (Lori Buessing) Walker; daughter, Deanna (John) Armentrout; grandchildren Griffon and Gannon Walker, Parker J. (Justice Houston) Myers, Madison and Colt Armentrout, Taylor (Clayton) Smith, Mackenzie (Logan Barker) Buessing, Chandler Buessing; and family friend Jenny Walker. Randol’s education began in Chase, and he was a life-long Kat who cherished his fellow 1959 graduates. A bachelor’s degree from Sterling College was next, followed by recruitment to Kansas State University where he was awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship and a master’s. Lastly, he earned a specialist degree from Emporia State University. Randol was a farmer and stockman nearly his whole life in addition to being an educator his entire adult life. Positions he held as an educator were in the Topeka Public Schools as science teacher and Principal, Boswell; Assistant Principal, Jardine, Highland Park and Topeka West; Principal, Roosevelt; Associate Principal, Topeka West; and Director of Classified Personnel in Human Resources, Burnett Center. He ended his education career as Principal at Jefferson West High School, Meriden. He was president and longtime board member of Consolidated Rural Water District 1, Shawnee County Farm Bureau, Shawnee County Research and Extension Council and Foundation; member of Topeka Shawnee County Metropolitan Planning Commission and Shawnee County Comprehensive Planning Commission; lifetime member of NEA as well as being a precinct committeeman. Randol received the Kansas Bankers Soil Conservation Award and K-State Research and Extension Award of Appreciation for service to Kansas Cooperative Extension programs. Further, he was inducted into the Topeka West Sports Hall of Fame as a contributor and into the Topeka West Hall of Fame as an Owen Henson Distinguished Staff administrator. In addition to his dedication to the community and education of youth, Randol can be remembered for many things, including his interest in history and special love for his cattle, land, crops, trees, flowers, nature in general; conducting hay rack rides enhanced by narrations about nature and ending with fireside hot dog roasts for family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors; watching KSU and his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Family and friend times with snow sledding, hunting, fishing, dirt biking, camping, boating, riding side-by-sides, motorcycling vacations, spoiling the dogs and cats, feeding wildlife, watching birds, and admiring the beauty of nature were always cherished. Randol lived his life epitomizing a Grantland Rice quotation that is posted in the gymnasium at Chase Rural High School: ”For when the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He writes-not that you won or lost-but how you played the game.” Randol lived as if a person’s game of life should be one of good character and integrity rather than worldly success or failure, and it should be full of activities. That well-lived life peacefully ended June 17, 2026. The time and date of graveside services at Dover Cemetery, 6030 SW Douglas Rd, along with the visitation at the Dover Community Center, 5928 Southwest Douglas Road, both in Dover, Kansas will be announced at a later date. In acknowledgement of Randol’s lifelong love of agriculture and dedication to education, the family suggests donations to any of the following: Topeka West High School Foundation; or Dover Community Foundation; or something of your own choosing, in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Randol Walker

September 3, 1941 - June 17, 2026