Robert Parker Andrews

ROBERT PARKER ANDREWS, 84, of Weatherford, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.  Colonel Andrews, better known to his family and friends as Andy, was born on June 25, 1923 in Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama. During World War II, Colonel Andrews served in Europe as a field artilleryman in the Eighth Armored Division and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. He was later named the outstanding United States Army Reserve Officer for North Texas; was at the top of his class at the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and was subsequently inducted into the United States Army Field Artillery Hall of Fame. After the war, Andy completed his degree in aeronautical engineering at Auburn University and was employed by General Dynamics Corporation in Fort Worth for over 45 years. Andy served in the Flight Test Department during the production of the F-16, F-111, and B-58, and was an Army Aviator serving in the U.S. Army Reserve from the end of World War II until February 1976, retiring as a colonel. At the age of twelve years, Andy placed his faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, he was a true gentleman as well as a Godly husband and father, and a devoted Christian. He taught Sunday school for many years and enjoyed weekly Bible studies with his friends at Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church. He loved sharing family time with Louise and his children and grandchildren, in Weatherford and in Nacogdoches. Andy is fondly remembered by those who knew him and loved him for his commitment to his family and to his Savior. As did the apostle Paul, Andy could say: “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.”(II Timothy 1:12).  Andy is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Selma Louise Reese Andrews; his children, Rebecca A. Andrews of Dallas, Reese Parker Andrews (Carolyn) of Nacogdoches, Jennifer Andrews Chesney of Weatherford; and his grandchildren, Sara Clark (Bobby), Stephen Chesney, Rebecca Chesney, and Hannah Chesney, of Weatherford and Parker Andrews, Payton Andrews, and Annaleigh Andrews of Nacogdoches. He is survived by his brothers, Henri H. Andrews (Marianne) of Goldsboro, North Carolina and Leon Hays Andrews (Nancy) of Camden, Alabama.  He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, and a sister. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Gideons. A memorial service will be held at Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church, 200 South Lakeshore Drive, Weatherford, Texas (817-596-0100; exit 414 I-20) at 1:30pm on Sunday, December 23, 2007. A full military honor guard service will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery (214-467-3374) at 2:30pm on Wednesday, December 26, 2007. The motorcade will gather at 2:15pm at the Information Center of the National Cemetery.  All friends and family are invited to attend both services.