William Maurice Andrews

Funeral service for William Maurice "Bill" Andrews will be 2 p.m., Fri., Dec. 30, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Tom Launius officiating. Burial with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Musgrove-Merriott-Smith Funeral Service & Crematory. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thurs. 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 6-8 p.m.
Bill died Tues., Dec. 27, 2011, at Select Specialty Hospital, Tulsa, at the age of 81.
He was born Oct. 31, 1930, in Crawfordsville, IN, graduating from Crawfordsville High School in May 1948. While in high school, Bill was a successful wrestler. In June of 1948, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 and served until 1952. Following Bill's enlistment in the Marine's, he continued his success as a wrestler winning the championship for Marines and the Navy while at Guam for both the years of 1949 and 1950.
Serving during the Korean War with the Fifth regiment of the First U.S. Marine Division which left Guam for the Korean War only a few weeks after the war broke out, he was awarded two Purple Hearts, receiving his first Purple Heart from being shot in the hand during front-line action. Later, shrapnel severely wounded a heel. He also participated in the capture and securing of Seoul, Wonsan, Hungman, and Chosin Reservoir Campaigns.
On Aug. 15, 1951, Bill married Willadeane "Deane" Hopkins in Eureka Springs, AR. Bill received his education at Oklahoma University in Petroleum Engineering, and Eastern Oklahoma A&M. Bill retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he was a safety engineer for 32 years. He was involved with the construction of Lake Oologah from 1958 to 1964. He was also on the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
As a man of deep faith, Bill was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for the last 45 years serving as an elder, Sunday School teacher, and choir member.
In 1970, Bill was instrumental with helping establish the wrestling program in Claremore. He enjoyed coaching Little League and was active in the Claremore Community Theater. His favorite things to do included spending time with his family, reading, gardening, and drinking a French Silk at the coffee shop.
He is survived by his wife, Deane; children: Carrie Jo Steffens and husband, James, Bill Andrews, Jr., Art Andrews and Darlene Tanner, and Kenny Andrews and wife, Debbie; grandchildren: Elizabeth Steffens, Seth Andrews, Jennifer Andrews, and Matthew Andrews; great-grandchild, Trace Andrews; sisters: Pat Hultz, and Mary Hampton; sister-in-law, Juanita Vannoy; and numerous much loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.