HAZEN — Randy Joe Skarda, 71,

passed away at his home on August 6, 2023, in the early morning, surrounded by his wife and children. Randal Joseph Skarda was born January 29, 1952, in Little Rock, Ark., but came home to Hazen to Joe and Ruby Skarda. He was married to Vicki Wood Skarda for 46 years.

He is survived by his wife; and three children, Seth (Jaime) Skarda of Hazen, Randa Skarda Saul (Dare) of Des Arc, Ross Skarda of Hazen (Corinne); 10 grandchildren, Dylan, Cache, and Archer Skarda, Ireland, Lyla, Vivian, Julianna, Rellic (D4) Saul, Carter Jane and Lola Skarda; his sister, Connie Skarda of Dallas; nephew, Joseph (Wendy) Skarda; and great niece, Raegan Skarda of Memphis; and numerous other family members and friends including Frank Skarda, who was like a brother to him.

He was a lifelong resident of the Hazen community, going all the way through school, graduating in 1970. After high school, he went to Arkansas State and graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science. While at ASU he was a proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He then came back home to follow in his father’s footsteps and began his farming career of 48 years. In 1996, he was recognized for his hard work and dedication earning Farm Family of the Year for Prairie County.

Farming was his true passion and he farmed through the spring of 2023 with his sons in spite of his illness. He was an avid collector and restorer of antique farm equipment and spent many days and nights building and rebuilding in his shop. He was extremely proud of one project in particular, Mount Thrash-more, which you can see lit up on his reservoir. Randy was very philanthropic and gave his time and support to many local organizations including Grand Prairie Rice Festival, Kocourek and Son (Prairie County Historical Center), and Czech Cemetery Organization. He also served on the Hazen City Council for 10 years.

Randy was a dedicated farmer, father, and grandfather. Later in life he began his real joy, being Heehaw to his 10 grandchildren. He loved spending time attending softball, baseball, basketball and football games for his grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Joe and Ruby Skarda; and his brother Gary Skarda.

Visitation will be held August 9th from 10-11, service at 11 at Hazen First United Methodist Church, and burial to follow at Czech Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Prairie County Historical Center at P.O. Box 1132, Hazen, Ark. 72064.

The family would like to thank North Little Rock Carti and Urology and Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Randy during his illness.