Bro. Randall Chesson Sr.

Randall James Chesson Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted minister, left this world on June 4, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on January 31, 1943, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Randall lived a lifetime dedicated to faith, family, and service to others. Randall's journey began at Lagrange High School, where he graduated in 1960, followed by Louisiana College in 1971 and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1974. He devoted his early ministry years to several churches, including Clear Creek Bible Church, Fenton Baptist Church, and as an associate pastor at First Baptist Church of Lake Charles. Since 1976, he has been the loving pastor of Parkview Baptist Church, where he nurtured countless souls and fostered a sense of community. Randall established the South Lake Charles Mission Church. A passionate advocate for children and families, Randall founded the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana in 1979 and served as a leader for the Family and Youth Counseling program. His commitment to education led him to be the founding president of Parkview Christian School and a board member of Louisiana College. Randall also had a heart for serving those in prison and found joy in sharing Christ through various radio and television ministries including, "Christ for the Eighties", "Parkview Hour", "A-A", and KELB radio. He was an advocate for those less fortunate and had an outreach with them in mind. Randall supported our military in various ways. Outside of his pastoral duties, Randall was the proud president of Chesson Oil Company for a decade and co-founded Parkview Driving School, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. A member of the South Lake Charles Optimus Club and the Christian Counseling Center, he was always found serving others with humor, humility, and a big smile. He was known for his strong work ethic, generosity, and unwavering love for his community, family, and God.Randall was an avid reader of all books, but the Bible remained his number 1 with not a day passing that he did not read from it. He also loved to deep sea fish, and in his youth he was a boxer and played baseball as well. Randall is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Chesson, his children: Lisha Chesson, Rebecca Chesson Davis (Walter), and Lee Stacey Chesson (Rhonda). He cherished the time spent with his 17 adoring grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. He leaves behind his sisters Carolyn Langley and Kathy Finke (Andy), several nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law JoAnne Lyles Arabie (Dee).Although he faced immense loss with the passing of his children - Rhonda Chesson Gray, Lenny Shane Chesson, and Randall (Randy) Chesson Jr., along with grandchildren April Monet Chesson, Darren Trent Gray, and Randall James Chesson III - Randall's faith remained a beacon of hope and strength. He joins his parents, Lilton and Mrs. Chesson, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clotis Derouen and Mr. and Mrs. Placid Chesson, as well as his siblings, Arlene Wimberly, Gwendolyn Chesson, Karen Chesson, and Lilton Chesson Jr., along with brothers-in-law Pat Wimberly, Robert Langley, and Billy O'Quinn.We invite family and friends to celebrate Randall's life and legacy. A public viewing will be held at Parkview Baptist Church on June 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A funeral service will take place at Parkview Baptist Church on June 10, 2026 officiated by Rev. Marcus Wade, at 11:00 AM, followed by private burial.Randall touched many lives and will be deeply missed. His spirit of kindness and relentless pursuit of spreading the love of Christ will continue to inspire all who knew him. As we gather to remember him, let us celebrate a life well-lived, a man of faith, and a true servant of God.