Robert Andrews, Mitchell

Robert Lee “Bob” Andrews, 89, Mitchell, died Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at Firesteel Healthcare Center, Mitchell.

He was born on May 29, 1923.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel, Mitchell.

Robert Lee “Bob” Andrews was born in Mitchell to William G. and Sarah (Coupe) Andrews.

He attended Mitchell High School and served in the Army Air Corps in New Guinea and the Philippines for three and a half years.

A decorated World War II veteran, who earned the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and a Meritorious Unit Award, he flew 24 missions with different crews as a B-24 bomber aerial gunner, acting as a fill-in for men lost in action.

Bob returned home to Mitchell in February 1946.

On Aug. 12, 1948, he married Mary Lou McComish, daughter of E.F. “Butch” and Amanda (Moorman) McComish.

Bob worked in Mitchell all his life, first as a journeyman electrician at Tracy Electric and later as a pressman at The Daily Republic.

He and a partner started the Honda motorcycle business, Honda of Mitchell, and “Andy,” as he was known to the riders who hung out at the shop, was a regular attendee at the Sturgis rally.

He was an active member of the VFW and also a member of the local Stagehands Union. He ran lights and spotlights for Corn Palace shows for more than 20 years.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou; one daughter Cindy (Brian) Courtier, Los Angeles; three sons: Robert L. Jr. (Lisa), Louviers, Colo.; David L. (Karen), Baltic; and Dan, Mitchell; one sister, Lola Schneider, Custer; six granddaughters: Kimberly, Miranda, Sarah, Abbie, Catherine and Stephanie; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mitchell VFW.

Tags: obituaries, mitchell

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