Francis Kenneth Andrews

We, the family of Francis Kenneth Andrews, wish to acknowledge our deep appreciation and sincere thanks for all expressions of love, concern, and kindness during the passing of our loved one.

Francis Kenneth Andrews, of Port Charlotte, Florida, lovingly known as Ken/Frank was born on May 19, 1922 in New York City to the late Albertina Guillaume Andrews and Frederick Alexander Andrews. His Parents sent him to live with his beloved Aunt Gertrude in the Parrish of St. David, Grenada, so that he would have a very good education. He attended the Grenada Boys Secondary School in the City of Saint George.

Grenada is a seaport town and in his youth was always fascinated by the ships in the harbor and he knew that he wanted to pursue a career at sea. He was an avid reader and football player. During the holidays, he would venture out to sea with some of the sea captains to gain experience to become a seaman.

At the age of 19, he returned to New York during the beginning of World War II, and he began a long and adventurous career as a Merchant Seaman and worked his way up to Chief Engineer, the first African American, with United States Lines. Although the road to achieving his goal was difficult due to much discrimination, he was determined not to let anything stand in his way. He shared many stories about his life and his love of the sea.

Upon his retirement from the sea, he was employed as Chief Stationary Engineer with the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation. In 1974, he met Imelda Telesford whom he lovingly called Blossom. They were married in New York and finally settled in Port Charlotte, Florida. They traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean and were totally devoted to each other for 34 years.

He was a member of the Sun Coast Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Also he belonged to the Jephthah Lodge No. 89 in New York. He was a licensed general amateur radio operator-call sign WA2OLA.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Imelda, his children from a previous marriage, Sandra Andrews Valdez, Beverly Andrews Ward, Barry Andrews, his granddaughter, Danielle Valdez and a host cousins, relatives and dear friends.

He will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Friday February 29, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Kays-Ponger Funeral Home, 2405 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte, with military honors conducted by Robert J. Mac Alvanah Merchant Marine Chapter Veterans

Please visit www.kays-ponger.com to sign the online guestbook and extend condolences to the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Kays-Ponger Funeral Home and Cremation Services Port Charlotte Chapel.