D. David Randolph

Donald David Randolph, 81, of Payson, Utah passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Thursday June 3, 2021. David was born in New Martinsville, West Virginia on September 23, 1939 to Donald Davis Randolph and Goldie Marie Loy Randolph. David was married to his best friend and sweetheart, Mary Carolyn Rice on August 20, 1961. David and Mary were sealed to each other and to their children in the Washington D.C. temple on May 20, 1975.

As a young boy, David loved math and chemistry. He would check out books from the library titled “Mathematical Problems to Solve” just for fun. His parents let him set up his “chemistry lab” in the basement, where he loved doing experiments and making harmless “poof bombs.”  He loved his electric train set, which was set up in the basement as well. As a boy, he also delivered newspapers for the local Journal. In high school, David graduated 7th in his class. He wanted to be a Navy pilot and he received a full-ride Navy ROTC scholarship to Ohio State University, but then lost that scholarship because the vision in one of his eyes was slightly imperfect. So, instead, he worked his way through school at West Virginia University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. This is also where he met the love of his life, Mary, who became his wife of 54 years. They fell in love listening to Johnny Mathis records. David then joined the Air Force and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where he worked at the Nuclear Testing Site in Nevada. He was transferred to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he received his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University.  Then he was stationed at Sandia Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where his first two children were born. He was then transferred to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Here, five more children were born and David worked as an engineer at the Aero-Propulsion Lab, where his main project was working with a team of engineers to design an aerial refueling boom for the KC-10 refueling tanker aircraft.  David served in the Air Force for 22 years, retiring with the rank of Major. The decorations, medals, and citations he received while in the Air Force are the following:  Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Medal; AF Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster; AF Organizational Excellence Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal; AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

After retiring from the Air Force, David worked as an engineer for Northrop Grumman for the next 21 years. His main project while working for Northrop Grumman was on the Boeing B-2 Stealth Bomber. With a team of engineers, David designed the bomb racks for the B-2. While working for Northrop Grumman, David also earned his 2nd Master’s Degree, in Business Management from City University of Seattle.

Although David had much success and many achievements throughout his career, his main priorities and his pride and sources of joy were always his wife, his family, and serving God. David and Mary had seven children. They were faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. David served in many callings over the years, including Stake High Councilor, Stake Mission Presidency, Ward Mission Leader, Ward Clerk, and as a Counselor in several Bishoprics. One of his favorite callings was serving with his wife, Mary, as a Service missionary, teaching people English as a Second Language. David was a loyal, patient, kind and devoted husband to Mary and showed unconditional love to all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. David was a man of tremendous character and humility. He had a truly generous heart. He was always concerned with the welfare of those around him and gave freely to many friends and family members in need as well as to many different charities. He also gave of his time and was never too busy to help someone in need. David always had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. He never complained. He was always happy, content and grateful for his blessings. He often made the comment, “I am a very blessed man,” and would then list the reasons he felt so blessed, always beginning with his wife, Mary.

David is survived by his children Rebecca Westercamp (Jared) of Mapleton, Utah; Amy Cox of Provo, Utah; Benjamin Randolph (Shantil) of Ivins, Utah; Ruth Broderick (Nick) of Pleasant Grove, Utah; Mary Beth Binkley (Scott) of Bluffdale, Utah; daughters-in-law Angela Randolph and Wendy Randolph; 24 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; brother, Larry Randolph; sons Daniel Randolph and Christopher Randolph.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mapleton 12th Ward Chapel located at 1050 North 300 West in Mapleton, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held Saturday morning just prior to the service from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial, with full military honors, will take place at the Santaquin City Cemetery.