~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF LtCol(Ret) Kenneth "Randy" Souder
DL Capt. Kenneth Randall Souder
Mar 5, 1964 – Nov 18, 2025
PCN memorial site
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/kenneth-souder-obituary?pid=210367615
also
https://www.legacy.com/person/Kenneth-Randall-Souder-60037207
Springfield Ohio Air National Guard Alumni /
Retirees 178 FG / FW / WG's
Facebook post: Springfield Ohio Air National Guard
Alumni / Retirees 178 FG / FW / WG
Obituary –
LtCol(Ret) Kenneth "Randy" Souder ((First F-16 pilot at the 178th))
Kenneth Randall “Randy” Souder, a devoted husband,
loving father, cherished son, and loyal friend, passed away at home in Marana,
Arizona on November 18, 2025 at the age of 61.
Born in Covington, Kentucky in 1964 to Kenneth
Souder and Peggy (Pierce) Kassulke, Randy grew up with an adventurous spirit
and a passion for flight that would shape his life’s journey. From the time he
was a boy, he dreamed of soaring through the skies—a dream that became his
lifelong calling.
In high school, Randy was a varsity football
player for the Upper Arlington Golden Bears. His first job in construction
taught him the value of hard work. His aviation career began humbly as a ramp
agent with Piedmont Airlines in Ohio, a stepping-stone toward the skies he
loved.
After
graduating from Ohio State University with an aeronautical engineering degree,
Randy earned his commission in the United States Air Force, beginning a
distinguished career that spanned three decades. From May 1989, he served with
honor and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in September 2018 from the 152nd
Fighter Squadron in the 162nd Fighter Wing. Known by his call sign “Moonpie”,
Randy flew the F-16 fighter jet with unmatched skill and pride. His service
took him across the globe —living in Texas, Florida, Ohio, Arizona, and Italy.
His dedication continued, with his active service duties extending to Iraq and
Thailand. One of his daughter’s fondest memories was their time spent living in
Italy, staying up late playing games together, laughing and sharing moments
that would last a lifetime.
In 2000
(01-13-2000), Randy furthered his aviation dream as a pilot with Delta Air Lines.
His career allowed him to see the world, build lifelong friendships, and mentor
countless colleagues. He often spoke of how grateful he was for every
opportunity to fly and recently achieved the rank of Captain on the A330 – the
final milestone of his career.
Beyond his
professional achievements, Randy was a man of honor, humor, generosity, and
unwavering integrity. Whether restoring classic cars, playing video games,
traveling, watching wildlife, or stargazing, Randy found joy in life’s simple
pleasures.
He was immensely proud of his family, often
sharing stories of their accomplishments and the happiness they brought him.
Whether traveling with his wife, bonding over animals with his daughter, or
enjoying car conversations with his father, Randy treasured every connection.
His adventurous spirit, love for flying, and ability to make people laugh will
live on in the hearts of all who have had the privilege of knowing him.
Randy is survived by his wife Bobbie
Montgomery, his daughter Dr. Danielle Souder, stepdaughters Alexis Montgomery,
Jennifer Moore and Megan Montgomery, his father Kenneth Souder, his stepmother
Susie Souder, his mother Peggy Kassulke, and his sister Michele Souder.
In lieu of
flowers, the family suggests donations in his name to the Tunnels to Towers
Foundation.
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