Randall Gordon Fleming, 78, of Carthage, passed away at 4:10 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. He passed peacefully with his family by his side.

Randy was born on January 21, 1948, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Curtis Eugene Fleming and Carrie Plowman Fleming. He was a 1966 graduate of Warsaw High School. Following high school, he attended Madison Barber College in Moline, Illinois, graduating in 1967. That same year, Randy enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country and was also the Admiral's personal barber aboard the USS Sandoval (APA-194).

After the death of his father, Randy returned home from the service to help run Fleming's Tavern with his mother, Carrie, established Randy's Barbershop, and helped raise his sisters, Debbie and Janet Lee. Randy deeply loved his hometown, Basco.

He was united in marriage with Janet Larson on May 12, 1973, on Janet's family farm. Together, Randy and Janet were blessed with two wonderful children, Curtis and Andrea. Curtis was an accomplished Diagnostic Imaging Technologist and Andrea is a Professor of Sociology at Southeastern Community College. Being a father was Randy's greatest accomplishment, and he cherished every moment spent with his children.

Randy worked for Central Stone Company for over 40 years, as well as part-time at Armor Dial Corporation. He proudly served the community as a member of the Carthage City Council for 25 years. He was a 32° Mason, a member of the American Legion for over 50 years, and a member of the Eagles Club. Randy dedicated countless hours to improving his community and advocating for the people who called Carthage home.

Randy also became an integral part of keeping the Larson family farm running after the death of his close friend and brother-in-law, David Nelson. Though his father-in-law, Orville, didn't believe Randy was much of a farmer, he certainly got the job done—with the help of Jan and others. We would say he did a damn good job.

In 2018, Randy was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). He and Jan made the decision to seek care at Mayo Clinic and spent 100 days at the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester during his bone marrow transplant. In 2021, Randy was fortunate to meet his transplant donor, Pip, from Great Britain—an experience he was incredibly proud of. His time at Mayo was very special to him, where he made many friends and shared his gratitude through gifts for his doctors, nurses, and staff. Dr. Shah will always hold a special place in the hearts of Randy's family. Through his care, Randy gained nearly eight more precious years to watch his beloved grandchildren, Cash and Kymber, grow up.

In 2025, Randy was diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. True to Randy fashion, he declared, "I want to live, and whatever it takes, let's do it."

Randy was especially proud of taking three elk-hunting trips to Colorado with his son-in-law, Adam. He once joked that missing a big elk had to be the scope's fault—so naturally, he bought the best scope money could buy for the next trip. He also enjoyed deer hunting in Missouri and Illinois with his dear cousin, Jeff Wittmeyer. Each season brought hilarious stories that are now cherished memories.

Randy loved mushroom hunting and could often be found with hundreds of bread sacks stuffed into all the Rangers, always ready for a good hunt. He took great pride in finding the perfect morel and sharing his harvest with family. When he was not outdoors, Randy enjoyed a cold glass of iced tea, watching "The Lone Ranger" or Barrett-Jackson car auctions, and spending precious time with those he loved.

Randy will be remembered for his deep love of family, his generosity, and his courageous strength. Above all, he will be missed for the love he gave so freely to family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Janet of Carthage; daughter, Andrea (Adam) Jones of Carthage, IL, grandchildren Cash and Kymber Jones of Carthage, IL, sisters Debbie (Wayne) McClain of Waterloo, IA, Janet White of Cedar Falls, IA, sister-in-law Marilyn Nelson of Carthage, IL, special couple Jeff and Kari Wittmeyer of Carthage, IL, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Eugene and Carrie Fleming; his son, Curtis William Fleming, and brothers-in-law David Nelson and Don White.

Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home, with family meeting friends from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. A gathering will be held at the Carthage Eagles Club immediately following the committal service.

Memorials may be directed to the Carthage Fourth of July Fireworks Fund, H.U.G.S., or the Gift of Life House in Rochester.

Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.