Randall L. Graves

Randall L. Graves, 72, of Normal, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Randall was born on February 15, 1953, in Chicago, IL, to Robert L. and Dolores Spiker Graves.

Randall embraced life’s adventures. He was passionate about high school sports and, as an adult, found joy in gardening, fishing, and canoeing the Minnesota Boundary Waters. He also enjoyed hunting—both for game and mushrooms.

After high school, Randall spent a year at Western Illinois University before later in life earning a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in psychology from Illinois State University. He was accepted into graduate school at ISU, but his plans for further education were overcome by his first battle with cancer.

In the early 1970s, he embarked on a three-month journey through Europe and Northern Africa, visiting Rome, Spain, Luxembourg, and Morocco. He also loved motorcycle riding with a close-knit group of friends.

Randall's diverse career included working for the Bloomington Parks Department, Brandt Trucking, and General Telephone. He also held various positions in the railroad industry, serving as a brakeman, dispatcher, and Gandy dancer.

A dedicated volunteer, Randall contributed his time and talents to the McLean County Historical Society and several environmental organizations.

Above all, Randall cherished the outdoors, finding peace in cultivating vegetables and flowers while observing local wildlife—always happiest away from computers and immersed in nature.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his great-niece, Hannah Jolley, with whom he is now reunited in joy.

Randall is survived by his sister, Barbara L. Robbins, and her husband, David H. Robbins, of Bountiful, Utah; nieces Melissa Jolley (Brian), Karen Wunderli (John), Heather Hendricks (Brad), and Sarah Allred (Quinn); nephews Eli Robbins (Mary) and Joshua Robbins (Courtney); as well as 26 great-nieces and nephews. He was deeply loved by his family, who visited him as often as possible despite the distance. His older nieces and nephews hold fond memories of fishing and swimming adventures with him at Lake Bloomington.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington, IL. There will be no formal service, but a celebration of life will be held this summer during a family reunion.

In honor of Randall’s courageous battles with cancer, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.