Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Randy Abner
Apr 9th, 1961 - Jul 15th, 2023Randy 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