John Lotus Randall Sr.

John Lotus Randall Sr., a beloved father, mentor, environmental chemist, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Born on November 5, 1944, in Denver, Colorado, John led a rich life marked by profound kindness, a generous spirit, and an unwavering commitment to both his family and his work.

A solid foundation of education and family values shaped John’s early years. A graduate of St. Thomas Catholic High School in Houston, Texas, he went on to earn a Master's degree in chemistry and mathematics from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. His educational journey fueled a passion for science and discovery that stayed with him throughout his life.

Professionally, John was a pioneer and innovator. In Austin, he co-founded Audio Masters and Computers and Things with his brother Charley, venturing into the world of audio technology and computing with remarkable vision. During the 1970s and 1980s, he worked as an environmental chemist for PPG Industries and Radian, diligently applying his expertise to better the environment. His career took him to Taiwan with Brown & Root Environmental, where he played a crucial role in developing emissions inventory systems for power plants, demonstrating his dedication to global environmental progress. In the 1990s, John founded Choices Environmental, where he tailored emissions inventory systems for major companies like Arco, Valero, and Chevron Phillips Chemical, creating solutions that would have a lasting impact.

Yet, beyond his professional accomplishments, John’s proudest achievement was raising four successful and loving children. He was a devoted father who found immense joy in spending time with his family at any moment. Whether sharing jokes, bonding over gentle banter with his children, or simply being present, his warmth and humor endeared him to all. Known for his fondness of telling “dad jokes” anytime he found a new one, John was never short on ways to bring laughter and light into his home.

John was a kind soul, engaging with everyone he met with genuine interest and generosity. Children were captivated by his entertaining stories and enthralled by his lively spirit. His readiness to offer sage advice was a beacon to those who sought his guidance, a testament to his wisdom and empathetic nature. John also carried a tender heart for the vulnerable, taking special care of innocent cats in need of homes and offering mentorship to younger people as though he were a caring father figure to many beyond his immediate family.

A true lifelong learner, John spent hours exploring new ideas and chasing knowledge down rabbit holes, embodying a curiosity that never waned. In his later years, he reconnected with his childhood passion for playing the accordion more frequently, sharing his love for music as another way to connect and express joy.

John leaves behind a cherished legacy through his children and their families: John Jr. and his wife JoAnn Randall; Karen Randall and her husband Willum Prather; Mary Randall and her wife Ashley Carson; Amanda Randall and her boyfriend Micheal Jones; as well as his beloved grandson, Kenneth Kretschmer. Though his parents, Rose and Charley Randall Sr., his brother Charley A. Randall II, and brother- and sister-in-law, Larry and Sara Ballard, have preceded him in passing, John’s spirit remains a guiding light for all who knew him.

As we remember John Lotus Randall Sr., it is with profound gratitude for a life well lived: marked by love, laughter, mentorship, and a steadfast dedication to both family and the environment. His kindness touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue through the memories and love he leaves behind. May his soul find peace, and may those who knew him be comforted by the enduring warmth of his presence.