Sgt. Randy Jay Matheny

June 9, 1986-Feb. 4, 2007

Sgt. Randy Jay Matheny, 20, died Sunday (Feb. 4, 2007), near Baghdad, Iraq.  He was killed by a roadside bomb while serving his country.

Randy was born on June 9, 1986, in Oberlin and lived in McCook his entire life.  He graduated from McCook High School in 2004. 

He joined the Nebraska National Guard March 28, 2005, and went to basic training in October 2005, at Fort Jackson, S.C. His unit, the 1074th Transportation Company of Sidney was called to serve at Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq in October 2006. 

Randy loved all types of music, riding his motorcycle and driving his Cadillac.  His greatest joy was spending time with his friends and being with his family.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Cecil Matheny and Joe Alexander. 

Randy is survived by his parents, father, Gary Matheny and fiancée, Kay Chambers of Oberlin; mother, Jan Collins and husband, Duane Collins of McCook; his fiancée, Courteney Gibson of McCook; brother, Paul and wife, Christine Matheny stationed at Fort Riley, Kan.; sisters, Karen Matheny, currently stationed at Camp Anaconda, Iraq, Laci and husband, Jason Ingels of McCook and Kori Collins and boyfriend, Zach Randolph of Omaha; grandparents, Freida Matheny of Oberlin, Myrna and Larry Lacina of Westminster, Colo., Margot Alexander of Broomfield, Colo.; great-grandmother, Hazel Flaska of Oberlin; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  Randy is also survived by many life-long friends that are too numerous to mention.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Friends may sign the book at the funeral home today until 8 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m until 4 p.m. followed by a private family service.  Friends may send condolences to www.carpenterbreland.com.

Funeral services will be Friday, 2 p.m., at the McCook City Auditorium with CH (COL) Rod Armon officiating.  A full Military Honor Committal will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.