Blast in Afghanistan kills Oklahoma sailor
Football coach, principal say Henryetta has lost a hero
MICHAEL KIMBALL AND JOHNNY JOHNSON
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Published: July 8, 2009
HENRYETTA — The residents of Henryetta lost "a true hometown hero” when sailor Tony Randolph died Monday in northern Afghanistan, his high school football coach said.
Randolph, a 21-year-old Navy petty officer second class, was killed by an explosive device that struck his vehicle, according to a military news release. Henryetta High School football coach Kenny Speer said he recognized Randolph as a young man who was sure to succeed. "He was just an outstanding young man who will sorely be missed,” Speer said. "He wanted to go fight for his country, and to me that’s an outstanding individual in these times.” Speer said he talked to Randolph by phone often before the sailor shipped out first to Italy and then to Afghanistan. He said Randolph, an offensive and defensive lineman at Henryetta, also dropped by during the summers after he graduated to lift weights and share stories about his experience in the military with coaches and players. "He understood (the risks in Afghanistan),” Speer said. "I’ll remember the dedication and heart he had as an athlete, and that’s how he approached the military.” Brad Wion, principal at the high school when Randolph graduated, echoed Speer’s characterization of Randolph as a man who has earned revered status in the Henryetta community. "Tony was a very dedicated young man and excelled at whatever he attempted,” Wion said. "He was always trying to help ... always doing what he was supposed to and just great to be around. It will be a tremendous loss to our community. I can promise you that.” Funeral services for Randolph are pending with Rogers Funeral Home in Henryetta. He is survived by parents Fred and Peggy Randolph of Weleetka, and two stepbrothers, Shawn Kramer and Robert Kramer. Contributing: Tulsa World Staff Writer Manny Gamallo
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