RANDOLPH ‘RANDY’ LOUIS KOTT
Our beloved Randolph Louis Kott, “Randy,” went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 81 on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Randy talked often with his friends and family about Jesus and looked forward to having everyone together in Heaven one day.
Born June 30, 1943, at the height of World War II in Houston, to Rudolph Louis and Dorothy Jean Kott, Randy and his brother, Gary, were raised solely by their mother until their father returned from war. Randy loved to say that his childhood felt like something out of a “Leave It to Beaver” episode. His favorite stories to share were about their family’s little piece of Heaven on the Llano River. He cherished camping and fishing there with his father and big brother, Gary, and had the most delightful tales of their adventures.
After graduating from Bellaire High School in 1961, Randy made his way to Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. There, his life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Virginia “Ginger” Colwell. Randy was never shy about professing his love for Ginger. He loved to tell his children that “Mama was the most beautiful girl at SFA.” He made it abundantly clear that Ginger was the best thing that ever happened to him — there was never any doubt. Randy’s second favorite thing to come out of SFA was his membership in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He often shared hilarious stories from his college days. In 1966, Randy earned his master’s degree in psychology from Stephen F. Austin and married his beloved Ginger at the First Baptist Church in Broaddus. The two were blessed to share 59 years of marriage.
In 1967, Randy and Ginger moved to Mexia, when he accepted a position as a psychologist at Mexia State School. He eventually became Assistant Superintendent and remained there until retirement. Randy embraced rural life and often said he was immensely grateful for his time in small-town Mexia. He never stopped thanking Jesus for blessing him with such a full and joyful life. A true outdoorsman, he loved being able to finish work and head straight K OTT outside to hunt or fish. He relished the peacefulness of country life and could often be found manning the grill and cooking for friends and family. The Kott home was frequently the site of pool parties and barbecues — his BBQ chicken was a crowd favorite! Mexia was the perfect place for Randy and his buddies to grow large gardens together. They loved growing, harvesting, canning, and debating the best recipes. Fishing with his longtime friend, Lonnie Beldin, and many other great guys in the rivers, lakes, and tanks of Limestone and Freestone counties was one of his greatest joys. Lance Phillips was his main hunting partner, and they shared every season together in the greater Mexia area and Kerrville. Randy treasured every minute spent outdoors with his lifelong friends.
Randy modeled his life around the Bible and faithfully loaded John and Lisa into the car every Sunday to attend services at First United Methodist Church in Mexia. It was of utmost importance to him that they both had a strong foundation in the church, and he planted those seeds early. Car rides with Randy always included singing. When John and Lisa were little, he would sing “Do Lord” or “Jesus Loves the Little Children” all the way to church. School drop-offs were filled with more loud singing, ranging from “Texas Fight” to Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity chants to start the day off right. Road trips to visit old friends, like Jim and Beverly Meley, were common and always included music. Randy had a deep love for ’50s and ’60s tunes. His children know every word to every song from that era, thanks to their constant exposure to K-LUV and oldies radio. He was always singing through the house and had a lyric ready to fit any moment.
A man of boundless energy and generosity, Randy was always looking for ways to give back to the community he loved. His philanthropic work included serving on the Mexia Hospital Board and as Past President of the Centex Credit Union Board for many years. As a longtime member, Paul Harris Fellow, and Past President of the Mexia Rotary Club, he helped build the Mexia High School tennis courts and contributed to numerous other acts of service. He also held several volunteer positions at First United Methodist Church and was particularly proud of his work with the preschool.
Randy loved to learn new things, and that curiosity fueled a passion for travel. He and Ginger went on many adventures together, and he especially loved trips that included beautiful hikes through nature. Switzerland, Alaska, and Rocky Mountain National Park were among his favorite destinations. Even after walking and flying became difficult in 2014, they continued to road trip all over Texas. He especially loved visiting the Texas Hill Country and heading to Broaddus to check on Ginger’s mother and the Colwell property. Another annual highlight for him was attending the Pikes of the Sixties reunion, where he could catch up with all his friends. Randy grew up listening to Texas Longhorn football on a transistor radio with his father and remained a devoted fan until the end. You’d be hard-pressed to stump him on any Texas football history trivia!
Randy — known as Rah Rah to his grandchildren— took every opportunity to brag about his family. His pride in his children and grandchildren was obvious to anyone who met him. A firm believer in the value of education, he celebrated every good grade and accomplishment and was deeply invested in every detail of their lives. During most of their retirement years, Randy and Ginger lived in Beaumont, where he found tremendous joy attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He cheered louder than anyone in the stands and was convinced that everything they did was perfect. Nothing made him happier than a phone call or visit from a friend or family member — he loved a good conversation and quality time. Upon moving to Beaumont, Randy and Ginger joined Wesley Methodist Church. During the last five years, TV church ministries became especially meaningful to him. His favorites included First Baptist Church in Broaddus; The Temple in Port Arthur; and all the books and preaching from Dr. Charles Stanley.
Randolph is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia Colwell Kott; their son, John Kott, and his wife, Chandee Kott, of Fort Worth, and their daughters, Julie Kott and Jordan Kott; daughter, Lisa Shults, and her husband, Toby Shults, of Port Neches, and their sons, Peyton Shults and Parker Shults, and daughter, Paxton Shults. Randy is also survived by his brother, Gary Kott, and his wife, Barbara; fishing buddy Larry Davis and sister-in-law, Lynne Davis. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Rudolph L. and Dorothy Jean Kott A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden, located at 1289 Hwy. 147 North in San Augustine, Texas.
Memorial contributions are suggested, in lieu of flowers, to Some Other Place (www.someotherplacebeaumont. com); First Baptist Church of Broaddus, P.O. Box 600, Broaddus, Texas 75929; or a church or charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.
