Elijah David Randall

Elijah David Randall, 21, of Pocahontas, IL, died Sunday, May 19, 2019 at his residence.

Elijah was born June 16, 1997, to Dan and Toni (nee Prater) Randall in Maryville, IL.

When a life sparks, ignites, and lights so many souls with delight, a shadow is cast when that soul passes to the next realm.  From the moment of his arrival into this world, Elijah David Randall breathed an unimaginable amount of love deep into the hearts and souls of those who knew him.  His charm and captivating personality won people over immediately.

Elijah began one of his lifelong passions playing Junior Comet football at the age of eight.  It was playing football that ignited innate ability and fueled great joy that lasted throughout his high school years.  Playing Comet football provided Eli with an outlet for his talents and a brotherhood of friends that reciprocated his loyalty.  Although Eli was active in sports such as basketball and little league baseball in Pocahontas, it was his prowess and reputation as a wild man on the football field that not only brought immense pleasure on his part, but also to those who witnessed him playing.  After high school, Elijah’s focus shifted to his studies at Ranken Technical College, following in the hallowed footsteps of his beloved Pa, Dave Prater.  His time at Ranken provided Elijah with a new purpose and a promising future.  What most people didn’t notice behind the goofy laughter and the playful loving smiles was his constant battle against the demons of heroin use.  Elijah was open about his struggles and shared his story, always with the hope that he was reaching someone lost or someone else on the precipice of heroin addiction.  His friends and family continue this outreach and message in Elijah’s absence.

Elijah is survived by his parents, Dan and Toni Randall, Pocahontas, IL; sisters, Angie Randall, Middleburg, FL, Gabby Randall, Pocahontas, IL; maternal grandparents, Dave and Bobbie Prater; aunts and uncles, Amy (Tim) Burlingame, Aunt Meme (Uncle Beard) Sunfield, Jack Randall, Bruce Randall, Mike (Judy) Bumm, Patty Bumm, Shirley (Emmitt) Fenwick, Marie (Ken) Echols; cousins, Calli Jo, Jon and Ollie; many dear friends

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John & Lucille Randall; great grandmother, Cookie Grandma; great grandpa, Norman Prater; uncle, John A. Randall.

Memorials may be made to Lost and Found, Greenville, IL

Visitation: Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Friday, May 24, 2019 from 9:00 to 11:00 am, at United Methodist Church, Pocahontas, IL.

Funeral Service: Friday, May 24, 2019, 11:00 am, United Methodist Church, Pocahontas, IL.

Clergy: Brother Ray Snider, Pastor, UMC Pocahontas and Chris Harnetiaux, Lost & Found, Greenville, IL

Interment: Robinson Cemetery, Pocahontas, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Pocahontas, IL