Randy Ingram (July 20, 1947 - July 2, 2014)

Randy Ingram was one of the early Short Stop crew members - - along with several other Charleston 'townies' that included George Way (Deceased), Steve Drake (Charleston home builder / contractor), Gary Moore, and EIU quarterback, Joe Davis. The Mizener children, Debbie, Walt, Betty Lou, and Marty, also worked there along with their mother, Jean.

If you knew Randy, then you knew he was a huge sports fan, and especially baseball. During those days, he was already umpiring games and coaching in Charleston's youth baseball program. Before I graduated, Randy left Charleston to attend an umpiring school. He also served in the Army during the Vietnam War.

In the decades that I lived in Charleston, I often saw Randy and his wife, Sandy and their children, here and there about town. He greeted everyone with a smile. He followed in his father's footsteps in working at the post office and sometimes drove pickup routes around town. When Randy saw me working in the yard as he sped by, he would yell a greeting and occasionally stop for a brief visit. He was the genuine gentleman, a family man, a solid community member, a rock that could be counted on to pitch in and help out wherever needed.

Randy died this week. He had been seriously ill for a few years. His obituary:
CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Community and its Youth Baseball Program not only lost a coach and umpire, but a mentor and friend as Randall Thomas Ingram, age 66 of Charleston, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, July 6, 2014 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at the funeral chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2014 with Mr. Ron Cochran officiating. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will follow at Mound Cemetery in Charleston. Those attending are encouraged to wear casual attire. In lieu of flowers it is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston Baseball Association. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Randy was born on July 20, 1947 in Charleston to the late Victor and Norma (Craig) Ingram. He married Sandy Earnest on November 29, 1970 and for the past 43 years they have enjoyed and shared a loving friendship and marriage, both on and off the field. In addition to Sandy, he is survived by their two children; a son, Craig Ingram and his longtime girlfriend Lindy Krugle of Charleston, and a daughter, Carrie Abernathy and husband Marvin of Ashmore; three grandchildren, Taylor Ingram, Marvin Abernathy, III and Zach Abernathy; a great-granddaughter, Aubree Brown; his stepmother, Berniece Ingram of Charleston; and a dear aunt, Rosie Austin of Charleston. In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by his brother, Dan Ingram.

Randy was a 1966 graduate of Charleston High School. Following high school he honorably served his country during the Vietnam War with the United States Army. He was a life member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, a member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388, and was a life member as well as a board member of the Charleston Baseball Association. Randy attended both Central Christian Church in Charleston and the Champaign Church of Christ. He was a 30 plus year employee of the United States Postal Service and following his formal retirement he accepted a part time position with the Save-A-Lot store in Charleston.

Randy loved his family and friends and his love of the game of baseball began at an early age. He played when in high school and coached for several years. He began his umpiring career at age 13 and has been behind the plate for more than 50 years, not only making the calls but offering encouragement, sharing his knowledge, and always exhibiting his qualities of fairness and sportsmanship with the young players. Randy was truly honored when asked to officiate at the Cal-Ripken World Series – it was a highlight of his umpiring career. His commitment extended to other duties such as stocking the concessions before the game and cleaning up after a game – he was the first to arrive and the last to leave. When it was not his night to umpire he could still be found, preparing or maintaining the fields, working the concession stand at Seaton, or doing whatever else needed to be done. He wanted the BEST for boy’s baseball.


Randy’s employment with the post office encouraged his love for stamp collecting and he loved the music of the 60’s – the Beach Boys were one of his favorite bands. Randy dearly loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. There were many memorable Florida vacations and trips to St. Louis to watch his favorite St. Louis Cardinals play. He loved watching his grandsons play ball and even after his health began to fail he would still watch and quietly call the balls and strikes to himself. Randy’s doctors believed that following his diagnosis in 2012 that he might have only a year to live – what they didn’t realize was that he was in the military and was a postal worker ….two areas of government known to have the longest lines. Way to go, Randy! You will always be remembered for your admirable traits of honesty, fairness, kindness, loyalty, devotion, humility, friendship and love.
Adams Funeral Chapel website. 

For Randy.