Randall Gaut

Randall Gaut, 61, of Harvard, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Randy was born on October 17, 1961, in Harvard, Illinois, the son of Raymond and Virginia (Johnson) Gaut. He worked for many years as a machine operator and then spent several years on disability due to injury and numerous surgeries. Randy’s proudest accomplishment was his daughters, Melissa and Kelsey, and his 5 grandchildren. Randy loved listening to music, his favorite was heavy metal such as Judas Priest. In his spare time, he would take nature walks with his daughter Melissa and granddaughter Sophia (often Memphis as well.) The three of them found new music together that they bonded over such as Lil Peep. Randy loved the Bears, fishing, camping, concerts, spending time with family, playing with his grandkids and crafting with his daughter Melissa. He also enjoyed coloring, drawing and writing or telling stories. He was an incredible grandpa and loved telling the kids silly stories on the nights he had sleepovers with Melissa. That was another thing he loved; he would have many sleepovers with his daughter Melissa. They had an inseparable bond. Randy was sunshine and love- an incredible soul that is greatly and deeply missed. Randy was the funniest man anyone could have ever met. He was a true-life Robin Williams. A quote often shared by Randy to keep in mind, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think” 

Randy is survived by his daughters Melissa (Joshua) Puleo and Kelsey (Zac) Hawes; grandchildren Alton, Sophia, Addison, Memphis, and Atlas; siblings Tim (Gina) Gaut (and kids), Brian Gaut, Greg Gaut (and kids), Val (Sean) Smith (and kids), Julie (Shawn) Elkins (and kids) and nephew Todd Gaut.

Randy was preceded in death by his mom Virginia, dad Ray Gaut, sister Debbie McConnell, and many friends, including his best friend, Thomas Gordon.

A Celebration of Life will be held December 10th. Please allow a little time for more information on the Celebration of Life or contact Randy’s daughter, Melissa Gaut Puleo. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net. Call Saunders & McFarlin for more info at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Randall Gaut, please visit our floral store.