Randall Ray “Dr. K” Kristofferson, 79, of Vandalia died Dec. 26, 2020, at The Arbors at Lakeview Bend memory care facility in Mexico, Mo. Mr. Kristofferson was born July 20, 1941, in a farm house in rural Vandalia, the son of the late Albert and Carrie Ann Kristofferson. He grew up in Vandalia and graduated from Van-Far High School in 1959. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Valley College, a master’s degree from the University of Missouri in 1967 and a Doctor of Education degree from St. Louis University in 1980.
He began teaching and coaching at O’Fallon Tech, then served as principal of Elsberry High School for five years and assistant principal and athletic director at Bayless High School in south St. Louis County. He took the job of superintendent of the K-8 Grandview R-2 School District in 1977, and in his 13 years there was instrumental in its transformation to a K-12 district and the building of its high school. He then spent four years as superintendent of the Owensville School District and four years as superintendent of the Viburnum School District before retiring, after which he took a job coaching junior high football and basketball at Van-Far.
He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1965 and served as an elder, deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher and on numerous committees in the several churches he attended over the years. He and his wife Betty served for years as volunteers at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia, teaching Bible Studies, leading worship and leading in the annual Agape Festival held during the Christmas season every year. They sponsored several youth groups and travelled on mission trips to Florida and Romania. In his last professional position, Mr. Kristofferson served as associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Vandalia for four years. He later became a member of Centennial Baptist Church, where his son Bryce is pastor. He and his wife built a home on the family farm in Vandalia, where he enjoyed building, gardening, walking and reading. He loved being with people and was often the life of the party.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years: Betty (Hemme) Kristofferson, whom he married in December 1965; three sons: Bryce, Brock and Brett; a daughter-in-law: Kara; three grandchildren: Andrew, Rebecca Hamilton and Rachel; a grandson-in-law: Ben Hamilton; and a great-grandson: Oliver Thomas Hamilton.
Visitation is at noon until a funeral service at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Centennial Baptist Church, 816 W Breckenridge St., in Mexico. Burial will follow in the Vandalia Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Centennial Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico.