Randy Vanatta

Randy Noel Vanatta, age 63, passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at his home in Chanute.

Randy was one of 11 children born to Tom Charles and Leola Mae (Zornes) Vanatta on Dec. 25, 1957, at Allen County Hospital in Iola. He married Sharon Stroud. Their union was blessed with two children, Aaron and Clinton. They later divorced. 

He worked at IMP Boat Plant in Iola as a welder until the early 1990s when he branched off on his own to open his welding business, Moran Portable Welding, out of a shop in Moran. He owned and operated his welding business for the rest of his working career.

Randy had a heart of gold, was extremely caring, and was known as a lover. He was a hard worker and dedicated many years to building his business. Anything that you needed made out of steel, Randy was the man for the job. From artwork to truck beds to swing sets, he could build anything imaginable. He loved his grandchildren and spent as much time with them as he could. He was an avid fisherman and could cook the best fish around. Randy loved to play guitar, banjo, violin, and numerous other instruments. He was quite the storyteller and always had a new story to tell, always keeping you on your toes and laughing when you were around him. He will be greatly missed.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Leola Vanatta.

Randy is survived by his significant other of 15 years, Lucy Trester; children, Aaron Vanatta and Clinton (Katy) Vanatta; brothers, George, Kirby, Rex, Melvin, Max, Richard, and Joe Vanatta; sisters, Helen Franco, Sara Miller, and Betty Reeder; grandchildren, Maddy McVey, Jayden Cranor, Aaliyah Lowry, Micah Lowry, and Axel Vanatta; his four-legged baby, Bella Sue; and numerous other family members and friends.

A funeral service to honor Randy will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 15, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mildred. Family will greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in The Venue at the funeral home on Thursday, Oct. 14.

Memorials are suggested to A.C.A.R.F. of LaHarpe and may be left with the funeral home or mailed to 1883 U.S. Highway 54, Iola, KS 66749. Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com