Andrew Wesley Rule

Andy Rule, 84, a lifelong Columbia resident, passed away, Wednesday, January 29th after a battle with cancer. Visitation will be 1:30-2:30pm Thursday, February 6th at Memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia. Funeral service will begin at 2:30pm followed by interment in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Andy was born September 1, 1940, to Wesley and Ora Gruber Rule. He was a 1958 graduate of Hickman High School. Less than a year later, he married Kathryn Taylor at a friend’s home in Columbia. He worked for several years as a local business rep for the Local Union 317, and after they were absorbed into the Local 562 from St. Louis, he continued his career. He worked as a pipefitter and business agent with them for 24 years before he retired. During his time as a pipefitter, he earned his certification as a Licensed Master Plumber, served on the State of Missouri Work Enforcement Board under Governor Mel Carnahan, served one term on the board of the Columbia Employee Credit Union, served as president of Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri Building Trades as well as on the Executive Council of Missouri State Building Trades. Outside of work, he loved to golf and played with the Dollar Club at Lake of the Woods Golf Course.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Kathy Rule; a daughter, Leslie Rule (Dale Pomajzl) of Hallam, NE; grandchildren, Samantha (Cannon) Baldwin of Columbia and Cameron (Cassie) Doolady of Mt. Vernon, IA; great-grandchildren, Braxton & Josie; a brother, Jack Rule of Rocheport; nephews, Travis (Kelly) Rule of Kansas City and Reggie (Carrie) Rule of Republic; a loving extended family and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Lea Benthall and his parents.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com