Raudebaugh

Captain Randy Sherman Raudebaugh, 73, of Slippery Rock, went into the heavens Friday, July 7, 2023, with his soul mate, Bonnie, by his side holding his hand.

Randy was born Nov. 13, 1949, in Toledo, Ohio. He was the middle child of the late Doris Jean (Ohliger) and Samuel Harrison Raudebaugh and brother to Ricky “Rick” Herbert and Renee Marie. A 1967 graduate of Bedford High School in Temperance, Mich., he married his best friend Bonnie Leigh (Wilcox) on Aug. 9, 1974. Together for 49 years, they created a lasting legacy of love and commitment by allowing each other to follow their dreams.

Captain Randy was a charter captain on the Western Basin of Lake Erie, spending 47 years mastering his craft on the water. He was one of the original daily Lake Erie charter captains that has been referred to as a legend on the lake due to his knowledge in the fishing community. He was featured in numerous sport fishing articles in publications such as Ohio Fisherman, Fishing Facts, Outdoor Life and Great Lakes Fisherman, as well as in various Ohio newspapers. Randy also was filmed as a guide for sport fishing episodes with Roland Martin and numerous others demonstrating his expertise as an angler. He was a true outdoorsman who loved wildlife, and he was the epitome of an excellent family man.

Randy's career afforded him the opportunity to be the caretaker of his three greatest accomplishments: Brooke Marie, Chase Sherman and Chad Herbert. Long before it was the norm, Randy was a hands-on father, teaching them to put family first, do what they love and revel in God's beautiful masterpieces of nature. As proud as he was of his children and the lives they created, it pales in comparison to his seven grandchildren, Morgan Marie Huntington, Brody David Samuel Huntington, Reed Isaac Raudebaugh, Ryder Benjamin James Raudebaugh, Hunter Sherman Raudebaugh, Leeland Roy Page and Fynn Jacob Holstine, whom he adored. Randy loved listening to their “tales” for Grandpa and teaching them how to catch the big fish.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie (Wilcox) of Slippery Rock; his three children, Brooke (Robert) Huntington of Slippery Rock, Chase (Lyndsey) Raudebaugh of Superior, Wis., and Chad Raudebaugh of Lawton, Okla.; and his seven grandchildren. Randy also is survived by his beloved sister, Renee Eckel of Maumee, Ohio; and her boyfriend, Steven Lennex.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Rick Raudebaugh.

RAUDEBAUGH — A celebration of Randy's life is being planned at a later date in Marblehead, Ohio, where the family will relish in the fishing stories to be told. Fair winds and following seas, Captain Randy.

Arrangements for Captain Randy Sherman Raudebaugh, who died Friday, July 7, 2023, are under the direction of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.