Richard Ernest Andrew

March 26, 1939 - January 4, 2022

Richard Ernest Andrew, 82 Okeechobee – Richard Ernest Andrew passed away January 4, 2022 at age 82. Richard and Sharon had driven down to Okeechobee Florida to celebrate the Christmas holidays with the entire family. However, God had other plans and after family was able to visit on Sunday January 2nd, God took Richard home. Richard (commonly referred to as Dad, Pop, PopPop, Dick, and Brother) was born on March 26th, 1939 in Florida, Ohio in a house that still remains there to this day. He was one of 12 siblings (Richard was preceded in death by sisters: Ruth Parcher, Nancy Vela, Mary Krogman, and brothers: Jon Andrew and Randy Andrew) and took great pride in helping taking care of the family when he was younger (Richard is survived by Sisters: Doris Hutchison(Robert), Grace Clair, and Kay Mann(Dayl); and brothers: Dallas Andrew(Shirley), Tom Andrew, William Andrew, and David Andrew. His mother and father were Gershal Andrew and Alberta (Federick) Andrew. Richard was a veteran of the US Army and went overseas to Germany for 36 months. This is allegedly the place he watched an entire lifetime of movies as he never wanted to watch movies again after leaving the Army. Once honorably discharged from the Army, Richard was introduced to Sharon Dietrich by his sister Nancy at a wedding reception. Little did Richard and Sharon know they themselves would be getting married for the next 57 years just six months later. Richard and Sharon had two children while in Michigan: son Richard A. Andrew (Lisa) and daughter Tammy S. Dagne (Louis) before moving down to Florida and settled upon Indiantown where they lived together for 47 years. Before retiring Richard worked for the highway patrol under the “best boss I ever had”. Richard was also an active member of the Masonic Lodge of Okeechobee, and he was very active in his church (Indiantown Baptist Church), helping the church with any handy-man related tasks as well as sung in the choir. Pop gained a reputation around town as the go-to man to get your lawnmower or small motor machine fixed. He could also be spotted riding around the town on his bicycle, some say he even had a money magnet attached as he was always finding and cash that was left around town. Richard lived his final years in Nahunta, GA. For anyone that would like to attend, Richard’s memorial service will be held at Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral home on January 22nd at 1pm. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.