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A Celebration of Life gathering is planned for Randy, and this will be announced.
Randy Abner, age 62, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home, early Saturday morning, July 15, 2023.
He was born April 9, 1961, in Chicago. His parents were the late Carolyn Sue (Erwin) Abner and Arthur Thomas “Tom” Abner.
Randy’s bond with Erica Hurd began long before they exchanged vows on August 6, 2006, in Clay County. They were inseparable 6 years before officially tying the knot, and during the past 23 years have enjoyed an amazing life of love and joys with one another.
Randy was a 1979 graduate of Flora High School. His first love was spending precious time with his grandkids, but mowing came in at a close second. He enjoyed mushroom and rock hunting, as well as collecting coins. However, everyone knew Randy was especially proud of being part of the patch life. From the young age of 11, he embarked on his journey starting with the family oil business, evolving into an all-around skillful and hard-working operator who trained and supervised others, gaining the respect of those he worked with. His later work travels took him from Oklahoma to offshore Nova Scotia and nearly everywhere in between. And if you were to ask, he would tell you that he was happiest during the time he was “Rockin' the Bakken.”
Randy had a great knack for cracking inappropriate jokes, sometimes to the surprise embarrassment of his family and friends, who had mostly learned how to play along with his antics long ago. He once had the idea to adopt the nickname "The Breeze," believing it perfectly captured his imaginary "speed, agility, and cat-like reflexes." In response and to his chagrin, everyone affectionately dubbed him “Poke!” instead. He lived by and often shared the motto, “Can’t never could do nothin,” determined to both encourage and playfully provoke the people he cared the most about. Randy sported this mischievous sense of humor until the very end of his life, and for that, his family is grateful. So much so, that they’ll probably continue to share the jokes and expressions they’ve heard a million times, knowing that he's always going to be laughing right alongside them as his spirit shines on.
He is survived by his wife: Erica Abner; children: Jordan (Joshua) Kessler, Gage Cobb (Lacey Jones), Donovan Cobb, Echoe Rylee Abner (Travis Harris), and Elsie Abner (William Pruitt); 6 grandchildren: Mylea Jones, Gavin Cobb, Hunter Saunders, Freja Cobb, Desmond Cobb, and Cynlee Cobb; a brother and sister: Jason (Patti) Abner and Michelle (Kenny) Pietz; several nieces and nephews; father-and-mother-in-law: Spark and Julie Hurd; and longtime special family friend: Marie Travis.
He was preceded in passing by his parents; mother-in-law: Mona Hurd; sister-in-law: April Hurd; best friend: Kurt Snell; and beloved pup: Zelda.
A Celebration of Life gathering is planned for Randy, and this will be announced. Memorial donations to honor him are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Dec 28, 1946 - Apr 30, 2024
Feb 10, 1975 - Apr 28, 2024
Mar 18, 1985 - Apr 28, 2024
Oct 15, 1958 - Apr 26, 2024
Oct 27, 1934 - Apr 21, 2024
My condolences to the family...
So sorry for your loss, Randy was a great man!
I am so sorry Erica for the loss of Randy I hurt for you & his family and his many friends ..he will be missed . I knew him as "Poke Abner" many years ago..an upper class man 1979...and a good man. With all my love Lisa E.
Erica and families... I'm so sorry for your loss!! Randy was a heck of a guy that could always make everyone laugh and light up the room!! He would walk in and turn any bad day into a good one instantly!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!! Fly high Randy!! Gone too soon but will never be forgotten!! Until we meet again!!
So sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort and strength during this sad and difficult time.
My condolences to the family. Randy was a GREAT guy and I spent 20+ years knowing him. Worked together a lot.
Heard nothing but great things about Randy, thoughts and prayers being sent!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Very sorry for your loss Erica. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Erica I am truly sorry for your loss. I pray that God sends many angels to hold you in this time
Randy was an amazing man. Sorry for your loss, Love and prayers to his family
Erica and family I knew Randy when he was knee high. Cute kid. He came from a great family and I often wondered about him. I had to baby sit him, he was hard to slow down. Looks like he had a great life and family. God bless.
Erica and family, there are absolutely no words that could possibly express how deeply sorry and saddened my whole family and I are at the loss of Randy. Randy is a man whom I will, quite literally, never forget. The time spent with you all while “rockin the bakken” are some of my most fond memories that I will forever carry with me through my life. The ever-positive impact that Randy had on my little Anthony is something he will never forget, even with him now being my big Anthony. At the news of Randy’s passing, he said to me, “I have so many core memories that I’ll always have that involve Randy. He really taught me a lot of things about life.” We are thinking of you all and saying so many prayers for comfort and peace during this completely unfair, difficult time, while only being thankful that Randy is no longer in pain, and that we had the absolute pleasure of being a part of his life’s story. Randy will always be in our hearts and on our minds, as will the rest of the Abner family. We love you all so much.
So sorry got your loss. Prayers for all his family
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go to the family and friend's.
So sorry to hear about Randy worked with him and played with him over the years can’t believe he is gone so soon. Our deepest condolences
Many great memories of fun and laughter growing up with Randy. Will forever be able to hear your raspy voice and laugh. Fly high friend.
I am saddened to hear of Randy’s passing. What a beautiful soul he had. Our world has truly lost a bright light. Erica, praying for you and your family during this very difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. We have known Randy for over 40 years, he was a wonderful fun loving, hard working man. Prayers of comfort for all of you and your family and friends.
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May he rest in peace and may GOD give you strength and peace of mind
So very sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I am really at a loss for words....when I went to the funeral of Kurt Snell, and I got to see and talk with you after so many years ... never in a million years would I have dreamed 💔 I would be writing this or lighting a light for you Randy. I will never forget all the fun times in our younger days we had. You and Kurt try and behave until some of the rest of us get there with you two. You are and will be missed by so, so many. R.I.P. Randy...💔😪
My sincere condolences to Erica & family. Sending love and light to all of you during this difficult time. “What is grief, but love persevering”
My heart hurts so, so much.
Rest in peace Poke
Michelle, was so sorry to learn about Randy. Have such delightful memories of you two. Sending prayers.
I first met Randy in Electrical class at FHS taught by Mr Myers. Later we reconnected with our oilfield work in common, then I remember him cheering louder than any parent for Echo at TBall games! May his soul rest in peace in Heaven. My sympathies to all his loved ones.
Prayers and hugs!!
So sorry for your loss
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was always so funny and sweet every encounter I had with him and very polite to my mother. I remember how happy him and Erica were when they first got married and had those two little beautiful girls together. I'm grateful that he brought so much joy to my sweet friends (Erica's) life and so many more. My condolences to ALL the children family and friends. Fly high Randy! May God heal all your broken hearts. I pray for peace and fomort to all who knew and loved him. Erica hugs hun you have always been a strong woman and a great wife, mother, grandmother and friend to me, especially in my own time of grief. Jason and Michelle hugs to both of you. Great family all of you! God Bless you all! Again, FLY HIGH RANDY! RIP
My condolences to Erica and family on the loss of Randy. We lived next door to his grandparents (Abner) when I was a kid and I remember Randy as a cute little boy. I also know Erica from a few years back at the Flora Clinic when I worked there. God Bless…….
Praying for you and your family as you go through this. Makes my heart hurt. Big, big hugs to you all. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss
Erica and family, So sorry to hear of Randy's passing. Randy was truly one of a kind. May God bless you during your loss .
Rest in peace brother. My condolences to the family. Prayers for Randy and family.
Sorry to hear of Randy passing
Im so sorry for your loss. The whole family will be in my thoughts. ♥️
We are so sorry for your loss!!! You all have our deepest sympathy and prayers!!!!
Rest in peace Randy! prayers for the family!
Sending prayers and love to you and yours...
I am so sorry for Randy’s passing! He will definitely be missed! He and all of you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers! Love you all….
So sorry for your loss. He will be remembered.
He was a good friend that was always fun to be with
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
