Gary Andrews Obituary

PICKNEYVILLE - Gary Dean Andrews, 82, of Pinckneyville, passed away at 12:10 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Williamson County.

Gary was born on Aug. 16, 1941, in Blue Earth, Minnesota, a son to Lee and Esther (Severtson) Andrews. On April 14, 1962, he married Judy Denning in Pekin and she preceded him in death on Sept. 6, 1993, after 31 years of marriage. Gary later married Mary Ann Plumlee at Winkle Baptist Church in Pinckneyville on Nov. 11, 1995. After 23 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on Aug. 4, 2019. Gary was a life-long devoted Lutheran and was a member at Zion Lutheran Church, Pinckneyville, where he was an elder and trustee for the church.

Gary had worked for various coal mines and had retired from Captain Mine. He belonged to the United Mine Workers Association for 60+ years and was a lifetime member of the Elks. Gary was proud of his Norwegian roots. He had a big heart for his community, volunteering his time at the prison ministry program, Meals on Wheels, Pinckneyville Community Hospital, and the local hot lunch program. He enjoyed hiking with the Shawnee Saunterers, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Illini fan. He enjoyed watching all the grandchildren play in their sporting events. Gary was a Christian man through and through. A very special thank you goes out to the ladies who prayed over him at the accident scene.

He is survived by his children, Dawn (Scott) Franke of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and their children, Seth and Michelle Franke; Darcy (Jeff) Gossett and their children, Matt (Maddi) and Sam (Meghan) Gossett of DuQuoin; Jimmy (Heather) Bauersachs and their children, Riley and Alivia Bauersachs of Pinckneyville; Julie (Jeff) Coleman and their children, Taylor, Lauren, Isabel, Anna and Ryan Coleman of Arnold, Missouri; one sister, Sharon Mutchler of Pekin; one little great-granddaughter due in Dec.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jim Andrews and William "Bill" Andrews; and one sister, Shirley L. (Andrews) Frank.

Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, with Jon Smithley and David Kollmeyer officiating. Interment will be at Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville.

Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, from 9-11 a.m. Saturday.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Gary Andrews to the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to assist students becoming pastors.

For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.