Randolph “Randy” Lee Munden, beloved and admired by all who knew him, died unexpectedly on January 2, 2026. He was just shy of his 77th birthday.
Born February 17, 1949, in Deer Lodge, Montana, he was the oldest of five children born to Helen Dolores Blodgett and James Dale Munden. He spent his childhood in Deer Lodge, where he attended elementary and high school. An accomplished athlete, he excelled in sports, taking home many awards in swimming, track, football, and basketball.
Directly after graduating from Powell County High School in 1967, he married Terry Sullivan. And with a desire to expand his horizons beyond the small-town life of Deer Lodge, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He was promptly deployed for a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. For his service there, he was awarded a national defense service medal, a Vietnam service medal, two good conduct medals, a rifle expert badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was honorably discharged from service in 1970.
After returning to Deer Lodge, he worked briefly at the Anaconda Company’s smelter, as a prison guard at the state prison in Deer Lodge, and eventually relocated to Missoula to work with the Milwaukee railroad as a brakeman. He and Terry parted ways in 1975, and in late 1979, through a mutual friend, he met Meg Harper, his complementary color and one true love. He wooed her, won her over, and wed her during an intimate gathering in Coeur d’Alene at a little chapel called the Coeur d’Amour. At Meg’s request, they celebrated their union with a cream pie fight, inspired by “the greatest pie fight ever” in the movie The Great Race. Theirs was a two-pie fight, though, in contrast to the hundreds flung around in that film.
Randy found an adventuresome partner in Meg, and they took off for a 6-month tour through Central America, traveling the “Gringo Trail” from Mexico to Panama. After returning from Central America, they relocated to Helena, where Randy attended aircraft mechanic school.
The arrival of their first child, Kellen, redefined their world and they set up camp permanently in Helena. Their daughter, Aleta, came along a couple years later. A natural born, steady, unassuming provider, Randy took a job with the school district as a custodian, working at Capital High and eventually retiring from Jefferson Elementary. A generation of children knew “Mr. Randy,” and he accumulated a huge fan club of 5–12-year-olds during his tenure there. His easy companionship and influence carried far beyond the school district to touch the lives of his children, grandchildren, and all their friends such that our house was a welcoming retreat – for an impromptu meal, a quick check of oil or tire pressure, a word or two of encouragement, or an easy conversation.
Randy was an avid sports fan. Football and basketball (both professional and college) were his favorites, with a slight nod to soccer and lacrosse – but only if his kids or grandkids were playing. His knowledge of the game was extensive; he would call shots from the couch during televised games before the sports announcer and was well known for his acerbic post-game analyses and commentaries. His love of sports extended to the outdoors. He used his expert rifle skills to teach Kellen, Aleta, and the grandkids to hunt. He enjoyed the adventure of the hunt, but not so much the work after a successful bag.
He dreamed of hooking a trophy Blue Marlin and traveled to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Uruguay in pursuit of that dream. But it was not to be to his chagrin, his boat mates usually out fished him. Nevertheless, he routinely followed the big catches on social media and had Australia and Hawaii in his sights before passing.
In 1987, Randy made the ultimate “best choice,” and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. Not long after, he found his forever church home and family at Friendship Baptist Church in Montana City and continued to grow in his faith through the Word of God. He attended and served faithfully there for over 30 years as a trustee, treasurer, and friend.
He loved his family unselfishly and fully. He was a strong, loyal, funny, smart, humble, and soft-hearted man of few words but deep thoughts. He was a solid rock for his family. We are blessed beyond measure for his mark on our lives.
Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Dolores and Dale, and his sister Rebecca Brown. He is survived by Meg, his other half of 43 years; son Kellen (Brianna) Munden; daughter Aleta (Jon McCraw) Munden; grandchildren, Ava Leiss, Taya Munden, Layne Munden, Lilli Munden, Emily McCraw, KaliAnna Munden, Benjamin Munden and Vienna McCraw; siblings Valeria Hardy, Kevin Munden and Maureen Lantz; several nephews and nieces; an uncle, Jim (Janie) Blodgett, and many extended family members and friends
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way
2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new
Tis a fearful thing to love what death can touch – a fearful thing to love, to hope, to dream, to be- to be and, oh to lose – a thing for fools, this and a holy thing – a holy thing to love, for your life has lived in me. Your laugh once lifted me. Your word was a gift to me. To remember this brings painful joy. Tis a human thing, love – a holy thing to love what death has touched. Yehuda Halevi
A memorial service in celebration of his life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, from the Friendship Baptist Church; 5 Friendship Lane in Montana City.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 9, 2026
Friendship Baptist Church
5 Friendship Lane
Montana City, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediately following his Celebration of Life
Friday January 9, 2026
Social Center of the Church
,
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 9, 2026
Friendship Baptist Church
5 Friendship Lane
Montana City, Montana
Funeral Reception
Immediately following his Celebration of Life
Friday January 9, 2026
Social Center of the Church
,
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Cliff and Jacki Huff says
God’s Blessings to you all. Take care Meg
Priss says
Meg, im so very sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and you family.
Arlene Flynn says
Meg & family, please accept our deepest condolences on Randy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Arlene & Chuck
Brice and Erin Stacey says
Sorry to hear about Randy. Such a fun guy and loved watching Layne and Lilli play sports !!
In our prayers Meg
Tim Johnston says
So very sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. I have so many fond memories of Randy growing up in Deer Lodge. His wit, sense of humor, athletic prowess…all made him such a cool guy to know. I remember pitching to him in Little League and trying to make sure I didn’t throw him a high strike as he loved to launch them out of the park. His jump shots from the corner made him a real offensive threat on the bb court. His sense of humor was second to none. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP, Randy!
Nikki Cory says
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr Randy. My daughter absolutely adored him while she attended Jefferson School. He would sit with her while she ate her breakfast in the cafeteria. My condolences to the family.
Amber and Suzie Skillman says
Randy we will miss seeing ypur smile in the stands. I know Suzie and I will miss you lots. We have some amazing memories from travel ball and from the hotels with the girls and even the boys when they were younger. Thank you for all the memories. Much love and fly hight my friend.
Colleen Teberg says
Meg, I am so sorry to hear about Randy. I am thinking of you and saying prayers for you and your family.
Debby Brackman says
Dear Meg, Sincerest condolences for Randy’s passing. I worked at Capital High with him when he was lead man. He was good a good team leader, and I enjoyed working with him for almost 7 years. It was best working with him when he’d bring your most excellent homemade caramels at Christmastime!
Peace be with you and your family.
Amanda Plona says
The world has lost a can-do, jack-of-all trades, heart-of-gold man with a ready smile. He’ll be missed.
Connie says
Meg and family,
Our hearts are broken ! As neighbors for 31 years having great memories with Randy and you, Watching your children and grandchildren grow. He will be deeply missed but always in our hearts and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you .
John, Connie and family
Natasha Krush says
I was a student at Jefferson in the 90s and have the fondest memories of Mr. Randy. He always had a joke or something funny to say when he would come and excuse us for recess when we were done eating at lunch. My mom worked at Jefferson with him before he retired and it always warmed my heart when she had a story to share that he was involved in. I feel blessed to have known him.
Michelle Dickey says
I send my condolences to you, Meg, and your entire family. I was grateful to have met Randy on his visits to the dental office. It was a joy to be around Randy with his mellow and sincere demeanor as well as his great sense of humor. He will be missed.
May God Bless,
Michelle Dickey