Byron Thomas Andrews

Byron "Barney" Thomas Andrews, age 97, died Friday night, October 23 at the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility where he had been undergoing rehabilitation for a broken hip. He now awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the saints.

He was born to Edwin Alvia and Bessie Pearl (Evinger) Andrews on October 1, 1918 in Campbell, Texas; the 7th of what would be 9 sons followed by 1 daughter. After moves to Kent, Ohio and Spring Arbor, Michigan, the family came to Battle Creek in 1934. He spent two years at Battle Creek Central High School, graduating in 1936. During his senior year and until early 1942 he worked at Parson's Brake Service. He then served from March, 1942 to December, 1945 in the Army Air Corps at bases in Georgia and Tennessee attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Following the war, he returned to work at Parson's, in time becoming the general manager. On April 2, 1950 he married Winifred Louise Davis. From 1951 to 1958 they had 4 children. After being dismissed from Parson's, he began his own business, Barney's Brake Service, in downtown Battle Creek, running it from 1960 until he retired in 1983.

He was a member of the Culver Road Church of God Seventh Day; until recently the Burnham Brook Senior Citizens' Center, for his three times a week exercise; and Christian Singles.

Preceding him in death were his parents, all but two of his siblings, his former wife, Winifred (1975) and his son, Martin (1987). Surviving relations are brothers, Jack Andrews 98, Howard 92 (Nancy) Andrews; children, Allen Andrews of Pasadena, CA, Elizabeth (Scott) Melick of Gary, IN, and Marilyn Andrews of Battle Creek; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Friends will be received 2:00-4:00 p.m. & 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Terry Graham at the funeral home 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2015. Interment will be at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.

If you desire, memorial contributions in memory of Byron may be made to a charity of your choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.