Thomas H. Andrews, Sr.

Mr. Thomas H. Andrews, Sr. passed away Sunday, August 17, 2008. He was nineteen days shy of his 90th birthday. He passed away at Seminole Shores Living Center in the care of his family and friends. He was born September 5, 1918 to Alfred and Nellie Andrews in Muskegon. He served his country in the Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He also saw service in the Navy during the Korean War. He began his professional career as a realtor in Muskegon after World War II. He then worked for the Federal Government as a Housing Officer at both HUD and the SBA. Along the way he taught Government at the Laketon School before it was Reeths Puffer. He helped found the Navy Reserve Center in Muskegon and was a Plank Owner at the Don Rea VFW Post 8846. He also was an enthusiastic Republican who served as Mayor of North Muskegon a long time ago. He enjoyed politics and was a member of numerous organizations including the Republican Party, the Elks, the AMVETS and the American Legion among others. He was ultimately placed in charge of the conversion of Kincheloe Air Base to civilian authority and helped form the City of Kinross in Chippewa County where he was active in many community affairs. He founded the Community Voice newspaper with his wife, Maxine Andrews, and provided many memories for both his friends and family as a consequence of that effort. Mr. Andrews attended Albion College where he received his BA Degree and ultimately obtained a Master's Degree in Government from Western Michigan University. In 1942 he married Maxine Huether who preceded him in death in 1991. He then married an Albion College sweetheart, Corrine D. Shipps, in December of 1992. Corrine passed away in June of 2004. Mr. Andrews also survived his brother, Robert D. Andrews, whose wife Frances Andrews survives him and resides in Muskegon. He is also survived by his son, Thomas H. Andrews, Jr. and his fianc'e, Linda Schultz, granddaughter, Kathleen E. Andrews, of Charlotte, NC and her mother, Nanette (Eagan) Andrews. He is also survived by his "adopted" daughter, Carol (Stan) Samuelson who resides in North Carolina. A GRAVESIDE SERVICE will be held at 11AM Thursday at Laketon Township Cemetery with Rev. John H. Brown officiating. MILITARY HONORS will be performed by the VFW Post #8846. VISITATION will be from 5-8PM Wednesday at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes