Obituary of William Andrews

Viewing Friday, January 27, 2012 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. South Sound Manor 445 North St. SE Tumwater, WA 98501 Burial to follow in Masonic Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. William "Bill" Andrews, Sr. Bill was born to Perry Andrews and Velma Miller Andrews at Schneider’s Prairie, on August 25, 1932. The Lord called him home on January 20, 2012 at the age of 79. Bill was the 6th of 7 children born to Perry and Velma Andrews. At the age of 14, Bill and his family moved to Olympia. He was a graduate of Olympia High School, where he participated in sports and 4-H. Bill served as a U.S. Marine beginning in 1952. He attended basic training at U.S. Marine Boot Camp Depot in San Diego, California and then went to Atlanta General Depot to learn his Military Occupational Specialty in mechanics and welding. From there he was stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Base at Kaneohe, Hawaii until completing his tour of duty as a Sargent (E-5) in 1955. Although Bill only spent a short while as an active U.S. Marine, he was extremely proud of the Corps. In 1957, Bill asked Jan to marry him once his car was paid in full. Bill wrote the check to pay the car off on March 1st; he and Jan then married the next day, March 2, 1957. In 1959, Bill and Jan began to build the home in which they lived for 35 years and raised 5 children. That same year Bill began working for the Washington State Department of Transportation, starting in the maintenance department, then to the striping crew, and finally retiring in 1988 as a Bridge Maintenance Supervisor. In 1984 when a fire destroyed the barn that housed his farm equipment, he not only rebuilt the barn, he also rebuilt his equipment. If he was unable to purchase the needed parts, he fabricated them himself. From the time he was a teenager and throughout his adult life Bill did custom haying all around Thurston County. Upon retirement, he and Jan began touring the U.S. in their 5th wheel. Bill, of course, could not be without something to do, so he began working in the RV resort systems, maintaining rental trailers. He was affectionately known as “Trailer Bill” throughout the system. He and Jan stopped traveling in 2004 and built another home in Olympia. Bill was an active member at Emmanuel for several years, often serving behind the scenes. He felt honored to care for the people and items placed in his charge by his Lord and Savior. Bill was preceded in death by 3 of his 6 sisters, Rachell Giffin, Myra Cutlip and Rosalyn Rose. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jan; 5children, 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Please leave memories of Bill or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.