Lowell Smith

Lowell Francis Smith a.k.a Randy…….a.k.a Rockin’ Randy……a.k.a Smitty Born March 4, 1945, to parents Harold and Madelyn Smith in Allegan, Michigan. He died on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at Deaconess Hospital in Marion, Illinois.

Lowell and family moved to Mt. Carmel, IL around 1950, and attended St. Mary Catholic Grade School in Mt. Carmel. IL, and St. Henry Seminary in Belleville, IL 1959-1960. Lowell then returned to Mt. Carmel High School and helped start the 1st ever School Golf Team, where he was their 1st ever Captain in program history. He was also team manager for the football and basketball teams. Following graduation, he attended Wabash Community College from 1963- 1965 before completing his B.S. in Radio & Television Broadcasting in the School of Journalism and Communications in 1967 at the University of Illinois. His love for the Orange and Blue would never be questioned, as you all know. Lowell was then drafted into the U.S. Army and honorably discharged in 1970. Lowell served at Ft. Polk, Louisiana & Ft. Riley, Kansas where he met and married his wife Katherine L. Landoll in 1970 in Marysville, KS., where he is still known as Smitty to his wife’s family.

His wife of 55 years survives as well as 3 children: Kevin of Champaign, Kelli (Husband, Aaron Hunter) of Marion, and Craig of Carbondale. Lowell was a proud grandparent and left behind three grandchildren: Carson, Mason, and Madelyn of Marion. Lowell leaves behind one brother Tom (wife Beverly) of Sacramento, California, and 2 nephews: Gary (wife Margaret) and Jeff (partner Jenine) and family in California as well as Sister-in-Law Diane Landoll of Manhattan, KS.

Lowell was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Madelyn and eldest brother Edward. 

“Randy” Smith spent 37 years in radio broadcasting over parts of 5 decades and 2 centuries which was an accomplishment he was truly proud of. He worked at radio stations in Champaign, IL., Princeton, IN., Lawrenceville, IL., and Du Quoin, Illinois where “Rockin’ Randy” truly became known and loved. His Oldies Request Monday Night Show was known for 100 miles in any direction and requests came from his own kids, his regulars, his locals or his friends’ kids every Monday 6-10 p.m. for a period from 1970 till June 18, 2001, the night when he played only his favorites for a change. The first vinyl single he played as “Randy” at WPGU was “You Were on My Mind” by We Five, and the final on-air song played by “Rockin’ Randy” was The Theme From “A Summer Place” by Percy Faith in 2001 if you need some listening suggestions. 

Randy also worked in Du Quoin on a full-time basis while continuing his DJ’ing on Mondays and most every weekend doing various reunions, weddings, tailgate parties as well as his own 50th Birthday Party at the Du Quoin Elks Lodge. Randy worked as Du Quoin Deputy City Clerk until the Mayor moved him to his privately owned business at the Du Quoin Machine Works, later Du Quoin Iron Supply, Inc. and then retired from the State of Illinois after opening and working at both Murphysboro Youth Correctional Center as well as Pinckneyville Correctional Center. Lowell retired and moved to Marion with Katherine to be closer to their grandkids, but continued working part-time at Rend Lake Golf Course, as well as ushering his beloved Illini Football Games for several years. Lowell had been working at Crystal’s Catering in Herrin for over 15 years until the day he passed away. Watching that business succeed was a responsibility he took personally. He completed his tasks right up to the afternoon before he left us.

Lowell was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion and the Marion Knights of Columbus. He held the title of Past Exalted Ruler at Du Quoin Elks Lodge #884 and was also a member of American Legion Post #147 in Marion. Lowell also served time on the Du Quoin Boys Club Board of Directors as well as the Du Quoin Police Pension Board of Directors.

In broadcasting, his favorite saying was: “May there be just enough clouds in your life to make a beautiful sunset!” 

P.S. It was a beautiful sunset. 

Service Information Thursday, July 17th Visitation: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Full Catholic Mass: 11 a.m. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 600 North Russell Street Marion, IL, 62959.

Please consider memorials to the following organizations in Lieu of Flowers: Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois; Illinois Elks Association Child Care Corporation; Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Du Quoin, Illinois; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Marion, Illinois. 

“My greatest accomplishment in my life was being a husband, father, and grandfather!”

 -Lowell “Rockin’ Randy” Smith