Jeanne Frentz and Ernie Kovar will certainly miss Randy and his friendly personality. Our prayers are with Marilyn, Jen, Matthew, Christy, and Ryan. And Asher and Frankie who loved their Grando. It’s a sad time for all who knew him.
Randolph Whipple
January 21, 1948 ~ March 23, 2026
With a full heart and a life well-lived, Randolph “Randy” B. Whipple, 78, of Wichita, KS, passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by his family on the evening of March 23, 2026.
Randy was born in Colorado Springs to Miriam Barton Whipple and Col. Ray Whipple (USAF, retired). Growing up in a military family meant constant adventure, and Randy enjoyed the many places he lived around the world. He eventually graduated from Bellevue High School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he lettered in football and proudly earned the Outstanding Defensive Player Award in the 1966 Nebraska Shrine Bowl.
Randy went on to receive a full-ride football scholarship to Pittsburg State University, where he played on the team that won the 1969 Rocky Mountain National Championship. He earned his BS in Education and was involved in the ROTC program. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and after graduation, served time at Ft. Benning, Georgia. After returning to Kansas, he spent 2 years in the army reserves finishing with the rank of Captain.
In the spring of 1970, Randy met the love of his life, Marilyn. They married in May 1971 at College Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita. A year later, they began building their family. Their oldest daughter, Jennifer, was born and the family moved to Sylvan Grove where Randy coached football and Marilyn worked as a social worker for the State of Kansas. Following Matthew’s birth in 1975, the family moved to Abilene, Tx. where Randy began his career as a petroleum landman.
In 1981, the Whipple’s settled in Wichita, where their 3rd child Ryan was born in 1984 and Marilyn continued as a social worker until her retirement. Randy took a position with Koch Exploration Company and eventually retired from Koch Pipeline Company.
Randy lived a joyful and energetic life. He loved time with his family, friends and grandkids. He also enjoyed traveling, cruising with Marilyn, family & friends, snow skiing, coaching his kid’s teams, serving on boards and associations, and enjoying a good day on the golf course. Above all, he loved his family fiercely.
Randy is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn; his children Jennifer Griffin, Matthew Whipple, wife Christy Whipple and their son Asher, Ryan Whipple and his daughter Frankie; his brother Richard Whipple and sister-in-law Terri Whipple.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Miriam Barton Whipple and Col. Ray Whipple (USAF retired), and his sister Rae Jean Reagan.
Randy’s life was full of purpose, laughter, adventure, and love and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shine brightly through all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at 1PM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
In celebration of Randy’s lifelong passions, memorial contributions may be made to:
PSU Foundation: Pittsburg State University. Mail a check to: University Development, 112 Russ Hall, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS 66762-7518.
Online: Please designate Intercollegiate athletics & football in memory of Randy Whipple https://psufoundation.givingfuel.com/psu-give-to-page
Victory in the Valley – 3755 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218 (https://www.victoryinthevalley.org/tributes)
Services in Care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary
Services
Memorial Service: Friday, April 10, 2026 1:00 pm
Downing & Lahey East Mortuary
6555 E. Central
Wichita, KS 67206
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2026-04-10 13:00:00
2026-04-10 13:00:00
RandolphWhippleMemorial Service
Memorial Service
6555 E. Central,Wichita, KS 67206
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Randolph Whipple 's name.
PSU Foundation (Pittsburg State University)
112 Russ Hall, Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg,
KS
66762
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