Randall L. "Randy" Tunis passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully in his sleep into the loving arms of God on September 20, 2019 at his home, just two weeks after celebrating his 70 ^th birthday with Karen, his beloved wife, and his three daughters Julie, Michele, and Stephanie, and many of his grandchildren.  Randy was a pillar of strength for his family, friends, and community. His enduring love for his family; deep sense of responsibility and commitment; selfless compassion and support to his friends, particularly those in need; kindness, fairness, and moral steadfastness were evident to everyone who knew him.  Randy was passionate about and committed to the values that he learned through sport.  He worked to impress those values and lessons onto his children and grandchildren. To continue to honor Randy and his support of the athletes within our community, a Randy Tunis Athletic Assistance Fund will be established at Elwood Junior-Senior High School to support student athletes who may not be able to participate otherwise.

Randy was born on September 8, 1949 in Elwood, the son of Travis L. and Mary Jo (Freeman) Tunis.  He was a 1967 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School and attended Indiana University in Bloomington and later Ball State University in Muncie.  Randy served in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal during the Vietnam War era and was a member of the Military Police. Randy's devotion to country began at a young age as his father was a World War II veteran, and an ancestor of his mother served in the American Revolutionary War.

Randy married the love of his life, Karen S. Williams on August 4, 1972, and they shared more than 47 years of marriage together. He knew Karen was his soulmate and proposed to her just 11 days after their first date.

He worked as a skilled trade's journeyman at Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo for more than 20 years in the cutter-grind department until he retired in 2012.  Randy also formerly worked several years at Continental Can Corporation and Ex-Cello (Textron) both in Elwood.

He was a member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368, U.A.W. #685 in Kokomo, and formerly a member of the Elwood Jaycees Club.  Randy enjoyed watching NASCAR and was especially dedicated to I.U. basketball, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Chicago Cubs.  In his younger years, he was active in slow-pitch softball in Elwood and around Central Indiana.  Randy was extremely supportive of all Elwood sports teams, and would be seen at games even if his children and grandchildren weren't involved.  He also found a lot of enjoyment in caring for his yard and his home. He and Karen enjoyed numerous family trips together through the years, including their anniversary trip to the Grand Canyon, which was one of the most memorable.

Randy was the loving and devoted husband to Karen, adoring and proud father to Julia Bernard, Michele Wilson, Stephanie Head, friend and confidante to his sons-in-law Christopher Bernard and Zachary Head, and adoring Poppy to Madyson, Robbie, Eli Miller; Alexandra Rudig; McKenzie Wilson and special friend Kaine Stone; Macy Wilson; Quentin Head; and Connor and Alexander Randall Bernard.  He is also survived by his brothers Gregory (wife Becky) Tunis of Powell, OH and Brad (wife Sue) Tunis of Palm Gardens, FL; his sister Teresa (husband Roger) Keller of Indianapolis; special in-laws Joe, Debbie, Betsy, and Vince Williams; and several nieces and nephews.  Randy was preceded in death by both his parents.

A funeral service honoring Randy's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood with Father Dan Duff officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elwood and will include military honors by the U.S. Marines and the Elwood V.F.W. honor guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Junior-Senior High School Athletic Department and directed to the Randy Tunis Athletic Assistance Fund.  While our hearts are heavy with sadness, we celebrate a life well-lived.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com .