Bob was the 4th born son to Milton Sr and Lydia Andrews. He, along with his 3 older brothers, began performing at a young age as the Andrews Brothers Quartet. They recently performed at family reunions. It was a blessing to everyone who heard them.
Uncle Bob had an amazing love for life, and everyone he met. It was impossible to be in a room with him and not feel his presence.
Below is written by his oldest daughter, in memory of her dad, my Great Uncle.
**************************************
God's gift of Robert Frederick Andrews was born on November 26, 1927 in Sedalia, Missouri. He was the youngest son of Lydia and Milton Andrews, and dearly loved his three older brothers, and four younger sisters: Milton, Leslie, Martin, Alice, Martha, Eunice, and Anne. He came into the world with a dimple in his grin and a joyous sparkle in his eyes, and he never lost either one!
Bob, a strongly committed student, excelled at public speaking competitions along with his older brothers. Early in childhood Bob became part of the Andrews Brother's Quartet and a love for singing and harmony was developed and encouraged by his family and church. His strong rich baritone was a welcome addition to any choir and his joy in praising the Lord was unmistakable whenever he sang. He passed this gift down to his children, and in fact, first spotted his future wife singing soprano in a women's quartet!
Bob attended Central Junior College in his hometown, McPherson, Kansas, for two years before enlisting in the United States Army where he became a Corporal and an MP. Upon honorable discharge in 1947, he entered Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, on the GI Bill, which enabled him to finish his junior and senior years. There Bob met and immediately fell in love with Genevieve Hendricks and asked her to marry him within a few weeks. During his senior year he hitchhiked to New York state in his army uniform to visit his sweetheart "Jimmie", who had graduated and was teaching grade school there until Bob's graduation from GC. Not only were his army fatigues the only clothes he owned, they also quickly earned him friendly rides when he "stuck up his thumb"!
On June 25, 1949, Bob and Jimmie married, moved to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and began ministerial training. While "honeymooning" in a tiny silver Airstream trailer, their first child was born, Robert F. Andrews II, whom they called "Andy." With no room for a crib, Andy happily slept in a drawer pulled out under their bed. Bob, a wonderfully humorous story-teller, encouraged his children to believe that when Andy cried too much they would just "shove him under!"
After graduation, Bob and Jimmie accepted their first pastorate in Caldwell, Kansas, and there produced daughters Mary Louise and Melva Arlene. Bob then accepted a position at Free Methodist World Headquarters in Winona Lake, Indiana, as Regional Director for the Free Methodist Youth. He traveled extensively and continued singing in men's quartets as part of his youth camp evangelistic ministry. He wrote prolific letters to his beloved family, saved free nuts and mints for his kids, and began bringing home lovely fine boned china tea cups and saucers for his "Honey-gal" Jimmie from many places he visited. Whenever he could, he made it a point to go the extra mile to visit any family connections along his travel routes. His memory for names, faces, and places was phenomenal! For many, he was the lynchpin that kept them all in touch, and this extended as his brothers and sisters added children to the family tree. Notably, on one of his travels he also picked up the famous-family-French-dressing recipe--which he shared with so many that it can be found in most of the homes he visited!
In 1960, Bob was elected president of Wessington Springs College in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, and further developed his ministry to young people through teaching, example, and personal counseling. Here his youngest daughter, Vondria Beth, was born. When Myron Boyd was elected bishop, Bob was recalled to FM Headquarters to fill Boyd's place as Speaker for the Light and Life Hour, a half-hour Christian broadcast recorded in Winona Lake and aired on radio stations around the world. He continued to tell the story of Jesus in clear and simple language that introduced Christ to listeners across continents that would not allow the gospel to be preached in churches. He rejoiced at the thousands of letters from people who discovered the joy of personal transformation through meeting Christ over the airwaves. The familiar theme song of the broadcast, "The Light of the World is Jesus", was the wakeup call for many homes every Sunday morning, until Bob was also elected to be a bishop of the Free Methodist Church at the Indianapolis General Conference in 1979. He served as Director of Evangelism for many years and on the board of National Religious Broadcasters.
As Bishop, Bob and Jimmie traveled to England, Ireland, India, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Haiti, Japan, and later to France and Africa. They made countless friends and often found fellowship with Christians challenged to serve God in countries struggling with prejudice, persecution and desperate hope. Everywhere they shared warmth, encouragement, and the love of Jesus, and rejoiced in touching lives around the world. Their impact is still treasured and will never be forgotten.
When Bob retired as bishop, he and Jimmie moved to Oklahoma City, where he again served as a pastor, and superintendent of the Mid-America conference. They became "snowbirds" to sunny Lakeland, Florida, and decided to finally "retire from traveling" in Light and Life Park, which has been their home ever since. God continued to bless Bob's life with opportunities to sing in the choir, serve as a devoted church member and preacher, contribute on the park board, and especially to develop friendships with all he met.
Bob loved to swim, ride his bike with Jimmie, fix car problems, share warm "bear hugs", tell spellbinding stories, laugh and weep, and encourage all his family to come and visit anytime. He excelled at managing Andrews Missionary Ministries and keeping in touch family and friends around the globe. Another Andrews tradition was inviting visitors to Wendy's with him and Jimmie every Sunday noon to enjoy their signature special, "the Bishop's Mystique." The day Bob was welcomed home to heaven, Jimmie asked to stop at Wendy's to share Bob's favorite special in his honor and top it with a clink of Jr. Frosties! He was, simply, beloved.
Bob and Jimmie have been blessed with seventeen wonderful grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They have been surrogate parents and grandparents to all the nieces, nephews, and 'cousins-by-the-dozens' of their dear relatives scattered all across the world. He is survived, mourned, and greatly missed by his cherished wife, Jimmie, his children Robert and Cheryl Andrews, Bob and Mary Lu Cannon, Melli and Ken Johnson, Vondria and Randy Bergen, surrogate daughter Deidra and Ramon Sanchez, older brother Martin and wife DeEtte, and sisters Alice, Martha, Eunice, Anne and husband Dick. Although all who knew and loved Bob Andrews surely feel diminished by his loss from this earth, we rejoice together that he is reborn into glory with the triumphant Christ whom he has served with all his heart and life. He often proclaimed his life to be overflowing with riches and blessings from the Lord, and in turn his life was a blessing that overflowed to all he met and loved. To hear Bob pray was to sense the closeness of his daily walk with Jesus. He desired, above all, to be like Him.
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!"∼ANDREWS, Robert E. “Bob”
Age 87, of West Alexandria, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2014.
Bob was born October 16, 1927 in Neptune, OH to the late Louis and Cecile (Thomas)
Andrews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard L. Andrews.
Bob is survived by his son, Robert E. Andrews Jr; step-daughter, Cheryl (Jim) Redick; daughter, Susan M. (Al) Hounshell; son, Ronald E. Andrews; son, Jack C. (Dee) Andrews; daughter, Jill C. (Brian) Stowers; son, Daniel I. (Barbara) Andrews; 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Martha Connolly and Phyllis Pemberton; sister-in-law, Jane Andrews; niece and nephews; and great friends, Bob and JoAnn.
He was a Millwright for Local #1066.
All services will be private
Obituary from Rogers Funeral Home in New L3ebanon, Ohio - January 1, 2015
Uncle Bob had an amazing love for life, and everyone he met. It was impossible to be in a room with him and not feel his presence.
Below is written by his oldest daughter, in memory of her dad, my Great Uncle.
**************************************
God's gift of Robert Frederick Andrews was born on November 26, 1927 in Sedalia, Missouri. He was the youngest son of Lydia and Milton Andrews, and dearly loved his three older brothers, and four younger sisters: Milton, Leslie, Martin, Alice, Martha, Eunice, and Anne. He came into the world with a dimple in his grin and a joyous sparkle in his eyes, and he never lost either one!
Bob, a strongly committed student, excelled at public speaking competitions along with his older brothers. Early in childhood Bob became part of the Andrews Brother's Quartet and a love for singing and harmony was developed and encouraged by his family and church. His strong rich baritone was a welcome addition to any choir and his joy in praising the Lord was unmistakable whenever he sang. He passed this gift down to his children, and in fact, first spotted his future wife singing soprano in a women's quartet!
Bob attended Central Junior College in his hometown, McPherson, Kansas, for two years before enlisting in the United States Army where he became a Corporal and an MP. Upon honorable discharge in 1947, he entered Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, on the GI Bill, which enabled him to finish his junior and senior years. There Bob met and immediately fell in love with Genevieve Hendricks and asked her to marry him within a few weeks. During his senior year he hitchhiked to New York state in his army uniform to visit his sweetheart "Jimmie", who had graduated and was teaching grade school there until Bob's graduation from GC. Not only were his army fatigues the only clothes he owned, they also quickly earned him friendly rides when he "stuck up his thumb"!
On June 25, 1949, Bob and Jimmie married, moved to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and began ministerial training. While "honeymooning" in a tiny silver Airstream trailer, their first child was born, Robert F. Andrews II, whom they called "Andy." With no room for a crib, Andy happily slept in a drawer pulled out under their bed. Bob, a wonderfully humorous story-teller, encouraged his children to believe that when Andy cried too much they would just "shove him under!"
After graduation, Bob and Jimmie accepted their first pastorate in Caldwell, Kansas, and there produced daughters Mary Louise and Melva Arlene. Bob then accepted a position at Free Methodist World Headquarters in Winona Lake, Indiana, as Regional Director for the Free Methodist Youth. He traveled extensively and continued singing in men's quartets as part of his youth camp evangelistic ministry. He wrote prolific letters to his beloved family, saved free nuts and mints for his kids, and began bringing home lovely fine boned china tea cups and saucers for his "Honey-gal" Jimmie from many places he visited. Whenever he could, he made it a point to go the extra mile to visit any family connections along his travel routes. His memory for names, faces, and places was phenomenal! For many, he was the lynchpin that kept them all in touch, and this extended as his brothers and sisters added children to the family tree. Notably, on one of his travels he also picked up the famous-family-French-dressing recipe--which he shared with so many that it can be found in most of the homes he visited!
In 1960, Bob was elected president of Wessington Springs College in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, and further developed his ministry to young people through teaching, example, and personal counseling. Here his youngest daughter, Vondria Beth, was born. When Myron Boyd was elected bishop, Bob was recalled to FM Headquarters to fill Boyd's place as Speaker for the Light and Life Hour, a half-hour Christian broadcast recorded in Winona Lake and aired on radio stations around the world. He continued to tell the story of Jesus in clear and simple language that introduced Christ to listeners across continents that would not allow the gospel to be preached in churches. He rejoiced at the thousands of letters from people who discovered the joy of personal transformation through meeting Christ over the airwaves. The familiar theme song of the broadcast, "The Light of the World is Jesus", was the wakeup call for many homes every Sunday morning, until Bob was also elected to be a bishop of the Free Methodist Church at the Indianapolis General Conference in 1979. He served as Director of Evangelism for many years and on the board of National Religious Broadcasters.
As Bishop, Bob and Jimmie traveled to England, Ireland, India, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Haiti, Japan, and later to France and Africa. They made countless friends and often found fellowship with Christians challenged to serve God in countries struggling with prejudice, persecution and desperate hope. Everywhere they shared warmth, encouragement, and the love of Jesus, and rejoiced in touching lives around the world. Their impact is still treasured and will never be forgotten.
When Bob retired as bishop, he and Jimmie moved to Oklahoma City, where he again served as a pastor, and superintendent of the Mid-America conference. They became "snowbirds" to sunny Lakeland, Florida, and decided to finally "retire from traveling" in Light and Life Park, which has been their home ever since. God continued to bless Bob's life with opportunities to sing in the choir, serve as a devoted church member and preacher, contribute on the park board, and especially to develop friendships with all he met.
Bob loved to swim, ride his bike with Jimmie, fix car problems, share warm "bear hugs", tell spellbinding stories, laugh and weep, and encourage all his family to come and visit anytime. He excelled at managing Andrews Missionary Ministries and keeping in touch family and friends around the globe. Another Andrews tradition was inviting visitors to Wendy's with him and Jimmie every Sunday noon to enjoy their signature special, "the Bishop's Mystique." The day Bob was welcomed home to heaven, Jimmie asked to stop at Wendy's to share Bob's favorite special in his honor and top it with a clink of Jr. Frosties! He was, simply, beloved.
Bob and Jimmie have been blessed with seventeen wonderful grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They have been surrogate parents and grandparents to all the nieces, nephews, and 'cousins-by-the-dozens' of their dear relatives scattered all across the world. He is survived, mourned, and greatly missed by his cherished wife, Jimmie, his children Robert and Cheryl Andrews, Bob and Mary Lu Cannon, Melli and Ken Johnson, Vondria and Randy Bergen, surrogate daughter Deidra and Ramon Sanchez, older brother Martin and wife DeEtte, and sisters Alice, Martha, Eunice, Anne and husband Dick. Although all who knew and loved Bob Andrews surely feel diminished by his loss from this earth, we rejoice together that he is reborn into glory with the triumphant Christ whom he has served with all his heart and life. He often proclaimed his life to be overflowing with riches and blessings from the Lord, and in turn his life was a blessing that overflowed to all he met and loved. To hear Bob pray was to sense the closeness of his daily walk with Jesus. He desired, above all, to be like Him.
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!"∼ANDREWS, Robert E. “Bob”
Age 87, of West Alexandria, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2014.
Bob was born October 16, 1927 in Neptune, OH to the late Louis and Cecile (Thomas)
Andrews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard L. Andrews.
Bob is survived by his son, Robert E. Andrews Jr; step-daughter, Cheryl (Jim) Redick; daughter, Susan M. (Al) Hounshell; son, Ronald E. Andrews; son, Jack C. (Dee) Andrews; daughter, Jill C. (Brian) Stowers; son, Daniel I. (Barbara) Andrews; 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Martha Connolly and Phyllis Pemberton; sister-in-law, Jane Andrews; niece and nephews; and great friends, Bob and JoAnn.
He was a Millwright for Local #1066.
All services will be private
Obituary from Rogers Funeral Home in New L3ebanon, Ohio - January 1, 2015
Bob was the 4th born son to Milton Sr and Lydia Andrews. He, along with his 3 older brothers, began performing at a young age as the Andrews Brothers Quartet. They recently performed at family reunions. It was a blessing to everyone who heard them.
Uncle Bob had an amazing love for life, and everyone he met. It was impossible to be in a room with him and not feel his presence.
Below is written by his oldest daughter, in memory of her dad, my Great Uncle.
**************************************
God's gift of Robert Frederick Andrews was born on November 26, 1927 in Sedalia, Missouri. He was the youngest son of Lydia and Milton Andrews, and dearly loved his three older brothers, and four younger sisters: Milton, Leslie, Martin, Alice, Martha, Eunice, and Anne. He came into the world with a dimple in his grin and a joyous sparkle in his eyes, and he never lost either one!
Bob, a strongly committed student, excelled at public speaking competitions along with his older brothers. Early in childhood Bob became part of the Andrews Brother's Quartet and a love for singing and harmony was developed and encouraged by his family and church. His strong rich baritone was a welcome addition to any choir and his joy in praising the Lord was unmistakable whenever he sang. He passed this gift down to his children, and in fact, first spotted his future wife singing soprano in a women's quartet!
Bob attended Central Junior College in his hometown, McPherson, Kansas, for two years before enlisting in the United States Army where he became a Corporal and an MP. Upon honorable discharge in 1947, he entered Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, on the GI Bill, which enabled him to finish his junior and senior years. There Bob met and immediately fell in love with Genevieve Hendricks and asked her to marry him within a few weeks. During his senior year he hitchhiked to New York state in his army uniform to visit his sweetheart "Jimmie", who had graduated and was teaching grade school there until Bob's graduation from GC. Not only were his army fatigues the only clothes he owned, they also quickly earned him friendly rides when he "stuck up his thumb"!
On June 25, 1949, Bob and Jimmie married, moved to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and began ministerial training. While "honeymooning" in a tiny silver Airstream trailer, their first child was born, Robert F. Andrews II, whom they called "Andy." With no room for a crib, Andy happily slept in a drawer pulled out under their bed. Bob, a wonderfully humorous story-teller, encouraged his children to believe that when Andy cried too much they would just "shove him under!"
After graduation, Bob and Jimmie accepted their first pastorate in Caldwell, Kansas, and there produced daughters Mary Louise and Melva Arlene. Bob then accepted a position at Free Methodist World Headquarters in Winona Lake, Indiana, as Regional Director for the Free Methodist Youth. He traveled extensively and continued singing in men's quartets as part of his youth camp evangelistic ministry. He wrote prolific letters to his beloved family, saved free nuts and mints for his kids, and began bringing home lovely fine boned china tea cups and saucers for his "Honey-gal" Jimmie from many places he visited. Whenever he could, he made it a point to go the extra mile to visit any family connections along his travel routes. His memory for names, faces, and places was phenomenal! For many, he was the lynchpin that kept them all in touch, and this extended as his brothers and sisters added children to the family tree. Notably, on one of his travels he also picked up the famous-family-French-dressing recipe--which he shared with so many that it can be found in most of the homes he visited!
In 1960, Bob was elected president of Wessington Springs College in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, and further developed his ministry to young people through teaching, example, and personal counseling. Here his youngest daughter, Vondria Beth, was born. When Myron Boyd was elected bishop, Bob was recalled to FM Headquarters to fill Boyd's place as Speaker for the Light and Life Hour, a half-hour Christian broadcast recorded in Winona Lake and aired on radio stations around the world. He continued to tell the story of Jesus in clear and simple language that introduced Christ to listeners across continents that would not allow the gospel to be preached in churches. He rejoiced at the thousands of letters from people who discovered the joy of personal transformation through meeting Christ over the airwaves. The familiar theme song of the broadcast, "The Light of the World is Jesus", was the wakeup call for many homes every Sunday morning, until Bob was also elected to be a bishop of the Free Methodist Church at the Indianapolis General Conference in 1979. He served as Director of Evangelism for many years and on the board of National Religious Broadcasters.
As Bishop, Bob and Jimmie traveled to England, Ireland, India, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Haiti, Japan, and later to France and Africa. They made countless friends and often found fellowship with Christians challenged to serve God in countries struggling with prejudice, persecution and desperate hope. Everywhere they shared warmth, encouragement, and the love of Jesus, and rejoiced in touching lives around the world. Their impact is still treasured and will never be forgotten.
When Bob retired as bishop, he and Jimmie moved to Oklahoma City, where he again served as a pastor, and superintendent of the Mid-America conference. They became "snowbirds" to sunny Lakeland, Florida, and decided to finally "retire from traveling" in Light and Life Park, which has been their home ever since. God continued to bless Bob's life with opportunities to sing in the choir, serve as a devoted church member and preacher, contribute on the park board, and especially to develop friendships with all he met.
Bob loved to swim, ride his bike with Jimmie, fix car problems, share warm "bear hugs", tell spellbinding stories, laugh and weep, and encourage all his family to come and visit anytime. He excelled at managing Andrews Missionary Ministries and keeping in touch family and friends around the globe. Another Andrews tradition was inviting visitors to Wendy's with him and Jimmie every Sunday noon to enjoy their signature special, "the Bishop's Mystique." The day Bob was welcomed home to heaven, Jimmie asked to stop at Wendy's to share Bob's favorite special in his honor and top it with a clink of Jr. Frosties! He was, simply, beloved.
Bob and Jimmie have been blessed with seventeen wonderful grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They have been surrogate parents and grandparents to all the nieces, nephews, and 'cousins-by-the-dozens' of their dear relatives scattered all across the world. He is survived, mourned, and greatly missed by his cherished wife, Jimmie, his children Robert and Cheryl Andrews, Bob and Mary Lu Cannon, Melli and Ken Johnson, Vondria and Randy Bergen, surrogate daughter Deidra and Ramon Sanchez, older brother Martin and wife DeEtte, and sisters Alice, Martha, Eunice, Anne and husband Dick. Although all who knew and loved Bob Andrews surely feel diminished by his loss from this earth, we rejoice together that he is reborn into glory with the triumphant Christ whom he has served with all his heart and life. He often proclaimed his life to be overflowing with riches and blessings from the Lord, and in turn his life was a blessing that overflowed to all he met and loved. To hear Bob pray was to sense the closeness of his daily walk with Jesus. He desired, above all, to be like Him.
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!"∼ANDREWS, Robert E. “Bob”
Age 87, of West Alexandria, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2014.
Bob was born October 16, 1927 in Neptune, OH to the late Louis and Cecile (Thomas)
Andrews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard L. Andrews.
Bob is survived by his son, Robert E. Andrews Jr; step-daughter, Cheryl (Jim) Redick; daughter, Susan M. (Al) Hounshell; son, Ronald E. Andrews; son, Jack C. (Dee) Andrews; daughter, Jill C. (Brian) Stowers; son, Daniel I. (Barbara) Andrews; 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Martha Connolly and Phyllis Pemberton; sister-in-law, Jane Andrews; niece and nephews; and great friends, Bob and JoAnn.
He was a Millwright for Local #1066.
All services will be private
Obituary from Rogers Funeral Home in New L3ebanon, Ohio - January 1, 2015
Uncle Bob had an amazing love for life, and everyone he met. It was impossible to be in a room with him and not feel his presence.
Below is written by his oldest daughter, in memory of her dad, my Great Uncle.
**************************************
God's gift of Robert Frederick Andrews was born on November 26, 1927 in Sedalia, Missouri. He was the youngest son of Lydia and Milton Andrews, and dearly loved his three older brothers, and four younger sisters: Milton, Leslie, Martin, Alice, Martha, Eunice, and Anne. He came into the world with a dimple in his grin and a joyous sparkle in his eyes, and he never lost either one!
Bob, a strongly committed student, excelled at public speaking competitions along with his older brothers. Early in childhood Bob became part of the Andrews Brother's Quartet and a love for singing and harmony was developed and encouraged by his family and church. His strong rich baritone was a welcome addition to any choir and his joy in praising the Lord was unmistakable whenever he sang. He passed this gift down to his children, and in fact, first spotted his future wife singing soprano in a women's quartet!
Bob attended Central Junior College in his hometown, McPherson, Kansas, for two years before enlisting in the United States Army where he became a Corporal and an MP. Upon honorable discharge in 1947, he entered Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, on the GI Bill, which enabled him to finish his junior and senior years. There Bob met and immediately fell in love with Genevieve Hendricks and asked her to marry him within a few weeks. During his senior year he hitchhiked to New York state in his army uniform to visit his sweetheart "Jimmie", who had graduated and was teaching grade school there until Bob's graduation from GC. Not only were his army fatigues the only clothes he owned, they also quickly earned him friendly rides when he "stuck up his thumb"!
On June 25, 1949, Bob and Jimmie married, moved to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and began ministerial training. While "honeymooning" in a tiny silver Airstream trailer, their first child was born, Robert F. Andrews II, whom they called "Andy." With no room for a crib, Andy happily slept in a drawer pulled out under their bed. Bob, a wonderfully humorous story-teller, encouraged his children to believe that when Andy cried too much they would just "shove him under!"
After graduation, Bob and Jimmie accepted their first pastorate in Caldwell, Kansas, and there produced daughters Mary Louise and Melva Arlene. Bob then accepted a position at Free Methodist World Headquarters in Winona Lake, Indiana, as Regional Director for the Free Methodist Youth. He traveled extensively and continued singing in men's quartets as part of his youth camp evangelistic ministry. He wrote prolific letters to his beloved family, saved free nuts and mints for his kids, and began bringing home lovely fine boned china tea cups and saucers for his "Honey-gal" Jimmie from many places he visited. Whenever he could, he made it a point to go the extra mile to visit any family connections along his travel routes. His memory for names, faces, and places was phenomenal! For many, he was the lynchpin that kept them all in touch, and this extended as his brothers and sisters added children to the family tree. Notably, on one of his travels he also picked up the famous-family-French-dressing recipe--which he shared with so many that it can be found in most of the homes he visited!
In 1960, Bob was elected president of Wessington Springs College in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, and further developed his ministry to young people through teaching, example, and personal counseling. Here his youngest daughter, Vondria Beth, was born. When Myron Boyd was elected bishop, Bob was recalled to FM Headquarters to fill Boyd's place as Speaker for the Light and Life Hour, a half-hour Christian broadcast recorded in Winona Lake and aired on radio stations around the world. He continued to tell the story of Jesus in clear and simple language that introduced Christ to listeners across continents that would not allow the gospel to be preached in churches. He rejoiced at the thousands of letters from people who discovered the joy of personal transformation through meeting Christ over the airwaves. The familiar theme song of the broadcast, "The Light of the World is Jesus", was the wakeup call for many homes every Sunday morning, until Bob was also elected to be a bishop of the Free Methodist Church at the Indianapolis General Conference in 1979. He served as Director of Evangelism for many years and on the board of National Religious Broadcasters.
As Bishop, Bob and Jimmie traveled to England, Ireland, India, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Haiti, Japan, and later to France and Africa. They made countless friends and often found fellowship with Christians challenged to serve God in countries struggling with prejudice, persecution and desperate hope. Everywhere they shared warmth, encouragement, and the love of Jesus, and rejoiced in touching lives around the world. Their impact is still treasured and will never be forgotten.
When Bob retired as bishop, he and Jimmie moved to Oklahoma City, where he again served as a pastor, and superintendent of the Mid-America conference. They became "snowbirds" to sunny Lakeland, Florida, and decided to finally "retire from traveling" in Light and Life Park, which has been their home ever since. God continued to bless Bob's life with opportunities to sing in the choir, serve as a devoted church member and preacher, contribute on the park board, and especially to develop friendships with all he met.
Bob loved to swim, ride his bike with Jimmie, fix car problems, share warm "bear hugs", tell spellbinding stories, laugh and weep, and encourage all his family to come and visit anytime. He excelled at managing Andrews Missionary Ministries and keeping in touch family and friends around the globe. Another Andrews tradition was inviting visitors to Wendy's with him and Jimmie every Sunday noon to enjoy their signature special, "the Bishop's Mystique." The day Bob was welcomed home to heaven, Jimmie asked to stop at Wendy's to share Bob's favorite special in his honor and top it with a clink of Jr. Frosties! He was, simply, beloved.
Bob and Jimmie have been blessed with seventeen wonderful grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They have been surrogate parents and grandparents to all the nieces, nephews, and 'cousins-by-the-dozens' of their dear relatives scattered all across the world. He is survived, mourned, and greatly missed by his cherished wife, Jimmie, his children Robert and Cheryl Andrews, Bob and Mary Lu Cannon, Melli and Ken Johnson, Vondria and Randy Bergen, surrogate daughter Deidra and Ramon Sanchez, older brother Martin and wife DeEtte, and sisters Alice, Martha, Eunice, Anne and husband Dick. Although all who knew and loved Bob Andrews surely feel diminished by his loss from this earth, we rejoice together that he is reborn into glory with the triumphant Christ whom he has served with all his heart and life. He often proclaimed his life to be overflowing with riches and blessings from the Lord, and in turn his life was a blessing that overflowed to all he met and loved. To hear Bob pray was to sense the closeness of his daily walk with Jesus. He desired, above all, to be like Him.
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!"∼ANDREWS, Robert E. “Bob”
Age 87, of West Alexandria, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2014.
Bob was born October 16, 1927 in Neptune, OH to the late Louis and Cecile (Thomas)
Andrews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard L. Andrews.
Bob is survived by his son, Robert E. Andrews Jr; step-daughter, Cheryl (Jim) Redick; daughter, Susan M. (Al) Hounshell; son, Ronald E. Andrews; son, Jack C. (Dee) Andrews; daughter, Jill C. (Brian) Stowers; son, Daniel I. (Barbara) Andrews; 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Martha Connolly and Phyllis Pemberton; sister-in-law, Jane Andrews; niece and nephews; and great friends, Bob and JoAnn.
He was a Millwright for Local #1066.
All services will be private
Obituary from Rogers Funeral Home in New L3ebanon, Ohio - January 1, 2015
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