Randall ‘Randy’ Reust
November 22, 1967 - June 15, 2024
Randall Shane Reust, known fondly as Randy, was born on November 22, 1967, in Denver, Colorado, to William and Michelle Reust. He spent his formative years in the Ottawa, Kansas area before moving to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school. During his youth, Randy was an active member of the Young Preacher's Club and Youth for Christ, and his faith and trust in the Lord remained a cornerstone of his life.
After high school, Randy pursued his undergraduate studies at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. It was here that he met the love of his life, Keiko Watanabe. In a story as romantic as it is charming, Randy's father, also a professor at the university, orchestrated a movie double date that ultimately left Randy and Keiko alone together. This led to an instant and enduring connection, and the couple soon married in Bartlesville. Their union was blessed with two sons, Bartholomew Daichi Reust and Benjamin Chikada Reust, and they shared 35 years of profound love and companionship.
Randy continued his academic journey by attending medical school at Oklahoma State University. Following his graduation, he completed his residency in Tulsa and practiced medicine in Bartlesville before returning to Tulsa. There, he served at several local hospitals, including the VA Hospital in Muskogee, where he was highly regarded and in great demand. Later, Randy achieved a lifelong dream by becoming a teacher at OSU Medical, where he found his true passion in mentoring and educating future doctors. His dedication to teaching was deeply felt by his students, who valued his generosity with his time and knowledge.
Outside of his professional life, Randy developed a passion for motorcycles and shared this hobby with his sons by buying them motorcycles so they could ride together. He also enjoyed collecting and shooting guns. Randy and Keiko often traveled to Galveston, where they owned a home for some time and delighted in the local seafood.
Randy's character was a blend of strong principles and generosity. He was known for being set in his ways, even stubborn at times, yet his kindness and willingness to help others were equally notable. He demanded excellence from his students but was always approachable and ready to assist with their questions. Randy was not only intelligent and impulsive but also a compassionate soul, always ready to lend a helping hand.
Dr. Randall Shane Reust passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication to his family, friends, and countless students and colleagues.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Keiko, his sons Daichi and Ben, grandchildren, Emma and Nora Reust, parents, William and Michelle, and his brother and sister, Michael Thompson and Kimberly Cole. His life was a testament to his faith, his passion for medicine and teaching, and his unwavering love for his family.
A funeral to honor Randy's life will be held at 10:00am, on Friday, June 21, 2024 at Tulsa Central Church of the Nazarene, 7291 E 81st St, Tulsa, OK 74133, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, 9101 S Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74137.
Flowers may be ordered from the Wild Orchid Florist by calling (918) 254-1819 or visiting wildorchidflorist.com.
Please accept my condolences. I am praying for the family. - Sheryl Vallois
Thank you for sharing this touching tribute for Randy. Since the last time I saw him was on his wedding day you made him come alive to me. I regret that I will be out of town the day of his celebration service. My prayers are with you. - Kathy Daake
Our family was saddened to hear about the loss of our dear cousin, Randy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reust family during this difficult time. My brother, Larry, and I have fond memories of Randy since childhood when we would gather at our grandparents' home in Emporia, Kansas to celebrate Christmas and visiting Uncle Bill and Aunt Gail occasionally at their home to spending time with them and Kimberly, Randy and Mike and later with their families as we became adults. Our hearts go out to all of you. We love you and are praying for you. - Naomi Reust Grice
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Reust. He will be greatly missed. Thank you for always teaching. - Cindy Thompson
Such a sad day. I admired him so much. RIP Dr Reust. You’ll be dearly missed. TJ Trad
Dr Reust was a fantastic physician and wonderful person. He had a true empathy for others. I visited with Randy about two months ago; our conversation turned to our families and it was obvious the love he had for his family. He will be truly missed. - Douglas Nolan
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I’m blessed to have had the privilege to work with this smart, compassionate doctor.. he was fun to work with.. He will be greatly missed. Forever in my heart. - Cindy Strong
Dr. Reust was a great teacher and mentor. He was one of the first people to know about my desire to go back to school to be a practitioner and was very supportive. He had a way of explaining things that just made it click. I am truly saddened at this news. This is a devastating loss for the medical community and to the family he spoke of with such love. My prayers are with you all. - Debra Hawkins
So sorry to hear about Dr. Reust's passing. He was a fantastic teacher - I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from him during residency. His lessons will definitely stay with me throughout my career. - H Stephen Han
There are no words to describe the sorrow in my heart at Randy’s passing. His friendship was a brick in a wall of protection around me in my teenage years that was our YFC group Even though we had not seen each other in a very long time, Randy’s influence has stayed with me And I am a better person for having known him. My heart goes out to Keiko, Daichi, and Ben, And to Mike and Kim and their families. You have all my love and many prayers in these difficult days ahead. - Jennifer Jones Lowrey
Please accept our deepest condolences to his family, KEIKO san, DAICHI and BEN on the loss of our dearest uncle as his niece.
It's a too sudden to believe this sad news.
There are a plenty his memories not only in TOKYO, but also in TULSA.
We are really proud of you, such a wonderful and talented uncle in USA.
Please rest in peace and god bless you all. - FAMILY and relatives in JAPAN
I am so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. I remember him as a student at Oklahoma Wesleyan. He was a fun loving young man who was very friendly and polite. I have followed his career over the years as I have stayed in touch with his family. Blessings and comfort to all the family. - Alice Cooper
Dr Reust was a wonderful man! His kindness and caring for my husband as we walked a bad path of dementia and behavior problems was so appreciated. I have never met a more kinder man then he was. So thoughtful and genuinely a good hearted person who cared for his patients. Our whole office that was his patients are all so sad to hear of his passing. RIP Prayers for his family. - Annette Belmonte
Dr Randy Reust was an inspiration and influence to so many. He was kind and always showed great care/advocacy for his patients. He was always invested fully in his students and their learning. I’ll never forget his cache of disease images that he liked to review with his students. By far a physician who gave so much to better the world. He will be sorely missed. May God bless him and his grieving family. Love you, Randy. - A friend
I am heartbroken to hear of Dr Reust’s passing. His knowledge and love of Medicine will live on in those he taught, and I will forever be grateful that he shared that with me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. - Marvin Moul
I am so sorry to hear of this very sad news. Sending my deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts to you and your family. - TJ Palmer
Randy was a terrific teacher at OSU sorry for the loss I had to attend a relatives service out of state so missed his service, blessings to his family. - Art Wallace
I’m so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. An amazing Physician and Teacher with a vast fund of knowledge. I first met him in medical school and enjoyed his humor and passion for whatever he was interested in. However he loved his family more than anything else. - Gerald Reed