Randall (Randy) Paul Shetzler, 65, died peacefully in his Coupeville home on Dec. 3, 2018.

Randy graduated from William Penn High School in 1971 and joined the Navy on Aug. 6, 1971. Randy served honorably for 29 years in the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps and retired in July 2000 after attaining the rank of master chief in May 1981, a rank that comprises the top 1.25 percent of the enlisted members of the U.S. maritime forces. He served as command master chief at the Naval Hospital in Oak Harbor and served as the commander in chief of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe installation in London prior to his retirement. Randy was recognized with numerous awards during his service including the Meritorious Service Medal.

Randy was born on Jan. 16, 1953 in Wilmington, Del. to Joseph M. Shetzler Jr. and Bernice M. Shetzler. Randy is survived by his daughter, Sierra Hall and granddaughter Quinn Downs; his brothers David A. Shetzler and wife Janet; James E. Shetzler and wife Kathy; Joseph M. Shetzler III and wife Janice; and his nieces Debbie, Lynne, Nancy and Barbara and his nephew James E. Shetzler Jr.

In retirement, Randy loved to spend time in the wilderness. He enjoyed the solitude of camping and kayaking the mountain lakes and streams in search of rainbow trout; all this documented by his love for nature photography. While Randy strongly supported his “away” team, the Seahawks, he maintained stronger loyalty to his home team, the Eagles.

Randy’s military funeral service is 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St. Kent, WA 98042 on Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Randy’s name may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the National Audubon Society.