Randal G. Abraham (68) of Redwood City, CA

Randal G Abraham, “Abe” or “Randy”, 68 of Redwood City, California died in a plane crash on August 20, 2024, at the Minden-Tahoe Airport, Nevada.

Randy was born in Robinson, Illinois on March 17th, 1956 to Quentin W. Abraham and Marguerite Byrd Abraham of Willow Hill, Illinois.

On July 14, 1984, Randy married Julie Mauer of Norwich, England. He was preceded in death by his parents Quentin and Marguerite Byrd Abraham, his brother, Quentin Duane Abraham; his mother and father-in-law Jean & Lyle Maurer.

After graduation from Newton Community High School, Randy attended the University of Illinois on an Air Force ROTC Scholarship where he completed his B.S. in Aero and Astro Engineering. He pursued a military career as an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot flying with the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, 612th Tactical fighter Squadron at Torrejon Spain. He competed in Air Force competitions, achieving the Top Gun award for the hair-pin bomb drop. He was in the 6516 Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, CA, F-16 Chief Pilot. He retired as Major with numerous decorations including: The Air Force Commendation Medal with Meritorious Service Medal w/1 device, Experimental Test Pilot Crs, and Test and Evaluation.

Retiring from the Air Force in 1995, he continued his aviation career as UPS Pilot (1995-1999) and over 25 years as a test pilot for United Airlines. He was skilled in Aircraft Flight Test, Airworthiness & custom Renewable Project Development.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Abraham, his children Emily Abraham and James Abraham of Redwood City, CA his sister, Sue Heth of Shumway, IL; Brother-in-law, Christopher Maurer of and Great Nephew Quill Maurer; Sister-in-law Kathleen Abraham of Englewood, OH; Nieces: Pamela Hambleton (Steve) of Indiana Land, SC Great Nephews, Nicholas Cherryholmes and Lukas Hambleton, Tamara Abraham of Fayetteville, NC, Great Nieces Chloe Cox (Justin) and Chelse LeBatard, Katie Wernsing (Jake) of Teutopolis and Great Nieces Lauren and Olivia Cates, Nicole Nuermberger (Brett) of Granby, CO, Kiley Heth of Juneau, AK; Nephews: Jon Greider (Krystle) of Abbyville, SC and Great Niece Avery. Joseph Heth (Donna Harris) of Los Angeles, CA, Andrew Tully (Jody) of Springboro, OH Great Niece Alaina Tully and Great Nephew Jack Tully.

Randy loved his family and friends, plants, astronomy, helping others, long distance running, and peanut butter! At age 8, he purchased a Norfolk Island Pine tree for which he lovingly cared. Randy and the Norfolk Island Pine went off to college together 10 years later. When about 10yo he tanned and made from roadkill “scratch” an authentic Davy Crockett coon skin cap—which he wore proudly for many years.

Randy was known for giving the perfect gifts—even if you didn’t know what it was! Katie received a metal statue that looked a little like Marge Simpson. Jon an Alaska gold snow globe. Nicole received “astronaut ice cream”, Joe was the proud recipient of a McDonnell Douglas DC 10 check list, and Sue received a beautiful pen set engraved: “Sue Heth --Sister to Randy”—because he had extra room! He was always looking for the next adventure, and indeed, his life was an adventure. He will be truly missed by those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held November 20th, 10 am starting with military services at the Bethany Christian Church, Willow Hill, IL.

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