John Randall Patchett

John Randall Patchett, 73 of Marion, Illinois passed away on December 12, 2022, at his home. Randy was born on September 10, 1949, in Christopher, Illinois, the son of Samuel Alexander Patchett Jr. and Vivian Irene (Green) Patchett.  Randy grew up in Valier, Illinois, until his family moved to Marion during his elementary school years. He graduated from Marion High School in the class of 1967.  He attended Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, graduating in 1971.  He graduated Cum Laude with his Juris Doctorate from SIU School of Law in 1978.  He also served his country in the Air National Guard, where he flew F4 fighter planes.  Randy was married to Barbara Patchett and together they raised five children, Kelly McCoy, Heather (John) Jansen, Alex (Gina) Patchett, Heather (Ted) Hampson, and John Patchett Jr.

Randy opened his private law office in 1978. He then went on to partner with Winters, Brewster, Murphy, Crosby, & Patchett Law Office and then later returned to his private law practice.  He served as Williamson County States Attorney from 1980-1984.  He served as a judge on the Illinois Court of Claims from 1985-1997.   He finished his law career at Patchett and Hampson Law Office. He practiced law for over 30 years.

Randy married Sheri Gesell in 2007 in Hawaii. Together they raised two children, Brandi (Bob) Applehans and Wyatt Rix. They enjoyed traveling, spending extra time in St. Croix and Key West, attending concerts and listening to music together. Randy often read poetry to Sheri, with some of their favorites being Robert Frost’s “Death of a Hired Man” and “The Road Not Taken.” He had a special love for his Beagle dog, Peanut.

Randy loved children and he supported many organizations over the years helping with fundraising and events. He also loved to fly his Beach Craft Airplane he inherited from his father and his Cessna Aircraft.  He also owned a hot air balloon and held a hot air balloon pilot license. Randy was a member of the Marion Elks Lodge #800, the Williamson County Shrine Club, The American Legion, The VFW, Lake Creek Masonic Lodge in Johnston City, and Mensa International.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Sheri Patchett; his children, Kelly McCoy, Heather (John) Jansen, Alex (Gina) Patchett, Heather (Ted) Hampson, John Patchett, Jr., Brandi (Bob) Applehans and Wyatt Rix; his brother, Larry (Phyllis) Tomblin of Rockford, Illinois; 15 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; along with other relatives and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Vivian Patchett, along with aunts, uncles, and several friends.

The visitation for friends and family will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 10 am until 1 pm at Binkley-Ross Funeral Home located at 1702 West Boulevard Street in Marion. The funeral service will begin at 1 pm with G. Patrick Murphy reading the eulogy and a ceremony conducted by the Williamson County Shrine Club and the Marion Elks Lodge. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Church Cemetery in Valier, Illinois, with full military honors. A celebration of Randy’s life will be held immediately following interment at the Marion Elks Lodge.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to the Shrine Club Road Runners or the Elks Lodge Children’s Care Corporation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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