Joe Andrews Obituary
Joe Andrews, a proud World War II U.S. Navy veteran & beloved husband, father, grandfather, & great-grandfather, entered into the presence of the Lord on February 19, 2026, at the age of 101.
Born on June 20, 1924, in Okfuskee, Oklahoma, to Henry & Hazel Andrews, Joe was the youngest child & his mother's cherished baby boy. He had a big sister named Lillian. He worked on a farm alongside his two brothers, Albert & Gilbert, along with their father. At 17, with his mother's reluctant permission, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He rose to the rank of Petty Officer First Class (E-6) and served aboard the USS Zeal, USS Pastores, & USS Chikaskia.
After the war ended in 1946, Joe moved to San Diego, CA, where he met & married the love of his life, Amelia Maxine Andrews. Together they were blessed with 3 children: Beverly, Michael & Marcus. Over the years, Joe worked as a truck driver for the Naval Air Station, a Maintenance Man at the hospital as well as a Morgue Technician. Widowed in 1979, he carried that loss with quiet strength.
A man of fierce spirit & steady discipline, Joe believed in respect, order & standing tall. He dressed with class, lived with dignity, & often reminded his family to "keep your eyes open and watch out for folks". Though he could be stern at times, he also loved a good scratch-off ticket, a Padres game & had an effortless sense of humor. His expressions & words brought laughter to family & friends without even trying.
Above everything, Joe was a fighter to the very end. He lived a long life filled with courage, wisdom, laughter, and love. Joe's presence was a guiding light for his family. Though he will be deeply missed, his strength, stories, legacy & spirit will forever remain & continue on in the hearts of those who knew & loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Andrews and Hazel Andrews, and his wife, Amelia Maxine Andrews. He is survived by: his children, Beverly Manson, Michael Andrews (Terry), and Marcus Andrews (Ruby); and his grandchildren, LaTashia Manson Fuller (Eric Fuller), Jasiri Harrison, Eugene Michael Anderson (Gina Anderson), Tanjalika Carter (Anthony Carter), Amelia Andrews, Victoria Latashia Andrews, Sherita Shelton, Sharica Andrews, Sheena Shelton, Ashley Dial, Shanica Andrews Fitzpatrick (James Fitzpatrick), Brittany Bradford, Jordan Andrews, Precious Jones, April Andrews and Angela Brown Andrews (Annette Brown Andrews). He is also survived by great-grandchildren and a host of extended family.
