Lowell Lee Andrews

Lowell Andrews was born in Orlando, Florida on January 25, 1934, to Laurin Lundy Andrews and Dorothy Morrow Andrews. In May, 1952, he graduated high school from Forest Lake Academy in Orlando, Florida.

Lowell entered college in Michigan, where he completed two years of his business degree and met and married his bride, Gwaldys Ida Jones,or “Glad” as he called her. A native Canadian, Glad was a nursing student when they met. They were married in May of 1954, and Lowell entered the U.S. Air Force. A year later, Lowell and Glad were blessed with the birth of their only child, daughter, Cherilyn Rae Andrews.

After his military service, Lowell moved the family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he began his career in the oil industry. He worked for Tidewater Oil Company during the day, and completed his Bachelor’s of Business Administration at night school at the University of Tulsa. Lowell then enrolled in the University’s Law School and went to night classes until he received his Jurisprudence degree in 1963. He was sworn into the Oklahoma Bar Association and began practicing as a tax attorney at Tidewater. Eventually, the family was transferred to Houston, Tx. Here, Lowell became active in the Houston Power Squadron boating club and the Harris County Sheriff’s Dept. reserves. The family spent time boating, water-skiing, fishing and taking long summer road trips to Canada to visit family. Eventually, Lowell received his private pilot’s license, and followed his passion for flying every chance he got. Upon retirement from Texaco Oil Company, he and Glad, built their “dream home” in the mountains of Estes Park, Colorado. Here, Lowell volunteered a majority of his time flying with the Civil Air Patrol, participating in rescue searches in the Rocky Mountains. He and Glad also bought a trailer and explored the nation together. When Glad suddenly passed away in 2010, Lowell moved in with his daughter, Cheri, his son-in-law, Daniel Martinez, and his two grand-children, Zachary and Riley in The Woodlands, Tx. Here he enjoyed traveling with the family to all his grand-kids tennis matches statewide, and loved going to the family beach house in Galveston, Tx. He is mourned by his family who loved him deeply and will miss him dearly.

He was predeceased by Gladys Andrews. He is survived by his daughter, Cheri Martinez, his son-in-law, Daniel Martinez, his grandson, Zachary Martinez, his granddaughter, Riley Martinez, and his sister, Elaine Morrow Balkan.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., December 13, at Forest Park The Woodlands, Tx.

Thank you all for coming here today. For those of you who may not know me, I am Dan Martinez, Cheri’s husband, and Lowell’s “favorite” and only son-in-law.

I am both saddened and honored to be able to stand up today to say a few things about one of the best men I have ever known.

Lowell Lee Andrews grew up in Orlando, Florida, in a devout Christian family. His dad was a medical doctor and his mom was a nurse, and they both worked very long hours at the hospital. When not helping patients, they were tending to their hydroponic garden and health food store. Lowell’s only sister, Elaine, and he were close, and they learned the value of a strong work ethic and solid values at home.

At the ripe old age of 20, Lowell married his bride, Andie. Soon thereafter, he felt the call to duty and went proudly to serve his country in the Air Force. Not long after that, Lowell and Andie welcomed their only child, Cheri, to the family. Following his military service, Lowell worked full time while raising his family and attending the University of Tulsa at night. He completed his law degree, passed the bar exam, and went on to a successful career in the energy industry as a tax attorney. He was extremely proud to be a part of the Getty-Texaco organization. Lowell would accept nothing less than to reach for the American dream and accomplish it....Family, home, education, career, and friends.

And that drive of hard work and accomplishment was always present in the Andrews household. He and Andie both instilled that drive and work ethic in Cheri, and they were very proud of her psychology and journalism careers, and of her family. But I have to say that I think Lowell never gave up hope that Cheri would someday come to her senses, and seek a career in business.

But the Lowell that his family and friends knew best was the devoted family man. He would dedicate every weekend, holiday, and vacation to doing something with the family. He loved the outdoors. Whether it was cross country vacations, RV camping, driving the boat, or skiing behind it, he always seemed to make time for his family. And when the grandkids arrived, it was his chance to do it all over again.

Upon retirement, Lowell and Andie moved to the mountains of Estes Park, Colorado, which was a lifelong dream, and one they wanted to share with their family and friends. Every summer, it was a revolving door of guests, and Lowell became one of the best self-appointed “tour guides” in Estes Park. Being a licensed pilot, he volunteered for the Rocky Mountain Civil Air Patrol and rose to the position of Colonel. He remained involved in the Search and Rescue Missions for many years. Sadly, after 56 years of marriage, he lost his lifelong partner when Andie passed away in his arms during Christmas 2010.

Lowell moved back to Texas to be with Cheri, Dan and the grandkids. Here, he moved into his new home with them in the The Woodlands. He even became a regular face in the grandparents cheering section of the Woodlands High School Tennis Team, watching Zac and Riley compete year round.

Zac and Riley, your “Pop Pop” loved you with all his heart. I hope you will always remember the time he spent with you....whether it was fishing, hiking or boating in Colorado, or simply cheering you on from the sidelines in Texas. And can you ever forget all those go-cart rides! Whenever Lowell heard we were coming to Estes Park, he was off buying books and books of tickets for the local rides. And I think he enjoyed driving those go-carts almost as much as you did. I truly hope you will always remember him for the “Pop Pop” he tried to be, and for the values he held so dear.

Lowell was part of what some people call “The Greatest Generation”, and his outlook and life were shaped by the events of the time. Yes, he was polite, humble, and patriotic with a sense of duty, and a strong work ethic. But most of all, he had a stubbornness to him...that “never give up spirit” that pulled him through when times were tough.

And when illness struck, “his never give up” attitude even surprised his doctors. They called him their “Miracle Man”, as he would continue to overcome each new battle, and there were many. He would love to say with a smile that “getting old was not for wimps”.

I remember on Cheri’s and my wedding night, Lowell stood up to say a few words. He said he had a wish that his daughter and son-in-law would love each other, grow, and have their own family someday, and that his relationship with us would also grow and blossom into a deep friendship as adults.

Well, Lowell, your wish came true. Our relationship grew into so much more than a friendship. Your life has inspired us all to be better people, enjoy life more, but also, keep working hard.

You have been a great role model, and a great father, father-in-law, grandfather and brother. We love you and will miss you dearly.

LESSONS FROM MY DAD

Today, I would like to share with you some lessons I have learned from my Dad.

As is true for many children, my relationship with my Dad went

through many different phases throughout our lives together. Each

phase having different levels of closeness … different levels of

communication …. and different levels of understanding.

I always loved my Dad… but it was in the last years of his life that

I truly got to know him the most, and to understand the depth of who

he was inside… and what he was truly made of.

Like many children, I learned a lot of lessons from Dad growing

up…..riding a bicycle…water skiing…driving a boat…and driving a car.

Those are all great memories. But they aren’t the “life

lessons”…. the ones that come with the challenges of life. Of course, he

and Mom taught me plenty of those along the way.

But, it was in the last years of his life, that my Dad taught me

the hardest of those lessons.

When my mother passed away during the holidays 7 years ago,

our family was devastated and in shock. Though in mourning himself,

my Dad in his quiet, reserved way… taught me how to face

sudden heartbreak with courage and inner strength. He grieved with

our family……but he did not retreat from the world. Instead,

he moved forward…..moved away from the home he’d shared with my

Mom for 16 years ….. and rebuilt his life with us in The

Woodlands. Here, he searched for a new purpose…….and a deeper

understanding of events that we cannot control in life.

And when my Dad was diagnosed with cancer a year and a half

later, he began teaching me the toughest lesson of all. That of facing his

most difficult health challenge yet…. with grace….courage…. dignity,

and a fierce fighting spirit.

He showed me how to live each day with all the strength you can

muster… to push yourself to continue your routine without

complaints ….. and to present yourself to the world with self

respect and the pride associated with those who grew up

part of “ the Greatest Generation”…. pressed slacks, buckled belt,

tucked in shirt, groomed hair….and an ever ready handkerchief.

He taught me to face each new challenge …. each new

diagnosis….each new day… with faith and hope.

And, no matter how bad or weak he felt … no matter how much he

might be worried .… he always treated everyone the same.

Polite … grateful for their help… humble… and respectful. He always

had a smile for everyone……. And they for him. His doctors … nurses …

therapists… and caregivers all had a special tenderness for him…….and

he for them.

And most importantly, he taught me to never take any week ….

any day …. any hour with someone you love for granted. To never

leave anything unsaid …. and to always end each conversation with..

….“I Love You”.

Lowell Lee Andrews

January 25, 1934 to November 23, 2017

Forest Park Funeral Home

The Woodlands, TX

December 13, 2017 2:00 PM

Brandy, Funeral Director

Prelude: Video w/Music

Seating of Chaplain

Song: “Amazing Grace” Celtic Women

Prayer: Father in Heaven, we ask for your comfort and blessings upon this gathering. Today we ask that you would be present here as we honor the life of Lowell Andrews. We ask for the peace that you provide. Lord it is in Jesus Name that we ask this, Amen.

Welcome: Today we are here to remember and honor the life of Lowell Andrews. A man you have known as Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend.

This afternoon I want to ask you to take a few moments and think about Lowell Andrews. Each of you have memories of time spent with him. Some of those memories may bring a tear to your eye, let the tears flow. Some of you have memories that will make you want to laugh, please let the laughter happen. This afternoon I ask that each of you remember and honor the man we know as Lowell Andrews.

Eulogy: Dan Martinez

Song: “You Raise Me Up” Josh Grobin

Poem: Read by Pat Schack (Friend)

“Lessons From my Father”, comments by Cheri Martinez

Song: “Slipped Away” Avril Lavigne

Chaplain Message:

Lowell Lee Andrews, born January 25, 1934 passed from this earth on November 23, 2017.

Legacy is about life and living. It's about learning from the past, living in the present, and building for the future.

Where do you think it's best to plant a young tree: a clearing in an old-growth forest or an open field? Ecologists tell us that a young tree grows better when it's planted in an area with older trees. The reason, it seems, is that the roots of the young tree are able to follow the pathways created by former trees and implant themselves more deeply. Over time, the roots of many trees may actually graft themselves to one another, creating an intricate, interdependent foundation hidden under the ground. In this way, stronger trees share resources with weaker ones so that the whole forest becomes healthier. That's legacy: an interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us.

Legacy is fundamental to what it is to be human. Research shows that without a sense of working to create a legacy, adults lose meaning in their life. Exploring the idea of legacy offers a glimpse not only into human relationships and building strong communities, but also the human spirit.

The giving and receiving of legacies can evoke, all at once, the entire spectrum of basic human emotions: hope, longing, regret, anxiety, to a sense of accomplishment, pride, contentment, joy, gratitude, humility, love. When you start thinking about legacies, no matter what your age or state of health, you take stock – of your possessions, and also of your accomplishments and disappointments. You take stock of what you've learned from what you've done in the past, what you're doing now, and what you still hope to do. With varying levels of awareness, individuals also inevitably reflect on the people, work, ideas, commitments, and social institutions that have given their lives shape and meaning.

Most of us will not be an Alfred Nobel, with our name and accomplishments remembered forever in the history books. But that does not lessen our need to create some meaning in our lives, to have what we've done and thought live on after us, to be remembered in some way.

From a purely practical standpoint, if you don't pass on your life experience by leaving a legacy, the wisdom you've gained through decades of difficult learning will disappear as your physical body wears out.

A legacy may take many forms – children, grandchildren, a business, an ideal, a community, a home, some piece of ourselves. Our legacy naturally intrigues us. It's perfectly understandable that we would want to know how the world will remember us after we're gone. How many of us are living our lives so that our legacy reflects all that we truly hold most near and dear? How many of us are living with integrity and courage?

Let’s talk about the Legacy that Lowell Andrews built while on this earth. Lowell Andrews had the opportunity in his life to influence the lives of his daughter and son in law, grandchildren, sister and many friends. He had the opportunity to Plant Trees in amongst the stands of Old Growth Timber.

Mr. Andrews, as I came to know him because my father, of the same generation, taught me the right way to address a gentleman no matter his age or stature, was a man of character and honor. Words to describe Mr. Andrews include Generous, Resilient, Dignified and Kind. An intelligent man with a inquisitive mind with an unassuming air about him.

To me, Mr. Andrews was a man who was very proud of his daughter, son in law and grandchildren. He would talk about you when we would sit together in his room at the care center. Riley, your “pop pop” was proud of your pre-med studies and what you are accomplishing in your young life. Zach, your grandfather could not have been more proud of you. You have built upon the foundation laid out by your grandfather and your father. You are building upon your heritage and the legacy that they have built.

Dan, you are the son in law, in some families you are the adversary. The man who stole the daughter away from her father. I don’t get the impression that Mr. Andrews thought of you as an adversary. The way he spoke about you was with respect and honor. I asked one day about a picture in his room that showed a surf board. His eyes lit up when he told me that “My son in law built that board”. Cheri, the only child, the daughter who was the apple of her fathers eye. You fussed over him these last few years, you watched over him and protected him. He loved you, cared for you and as an adult he respected you. You were his joy.

What is Legacy?

Legacy: Legacy is taking your grandson fishing when he is 6 years old and teaching that grandson patience and the joy of delayed gratification. Being there with your grandson and helping him catch his first fish. That is building a Legacy.

Legacy: Legacy is a story that Riley shared with me that I am going to read:

“After my Grammie died seven years ago my Pop Pop moved in with us, and he and I shared a Jack and Jill bathroom. We would sometimes forget to unlock the door so the other person could get in and we would have to go to the other side to unlock it. One night, not long after my Grammie's death, he had gone to bed and left the door locked so I had to go around and knock on his door to ask him to unlock it for me. When I knocked there was no answer, so I slowly opened the door to keep from waking him up. When the light from the hallway filled the room however he was not in bed. He was kneeling by his bed praying with such intensity that he had not heard my knock or noticed at first that the door was opened. I froze and was about to close the door again and walk away so as not to intrude but then he must have sensed I was there and looked up. I could see immediately that he had been crying and I knew it was because of how much he missed his wife. Her death was very sudden and I think for all of us there were things that we wish we had been able to say and I think for him especially that was true. during his time being ill he made sure that that never happened again and would always tell me, my mom, my brother and my dad how proud he was of us and how much he loved us. I think seeing him that night really touched my heart and spoke to how much he loved his wife”.

That is building a Legacy.

Legacy: Legacy is taking your family water skiing at 6 AM so that they were able to experience the very best in skiing. Teaching each one how to ski, how to drive the boat, how to laugh at mistakes and learn from them, how to be together as a family, not just the immediate family but also the extended family and friends as well. Up at the crack of dawn, Skiing, eating, swimming playing games, napping and then back out on the water in the evening for more “smooth as glass” water to ski on.

That is building a Legacy.

Legacy: Legacy is going to California to visit your daughter and son in law and help them with the grandkids. Legacy is waiting until the long day was nearly finished and then asking your son in law if he wanted to go to Ventura to ride the go-karts. Spinning out, getting pulled back onto the track and saying, “Wow, now that was a kick in the pants”. Legacy is then doing the same thing in Colorado with your grandkids. That is building a Legacy.

Legacy: Legacy is teaching your little sister how to make a “TeePee” out of Pine branches and cooking sand and rock food. Legacy is taking her to the tennis court with your metal roller skates, strapping them onto your shoes and roller skating with your sister for hours. Learning the extent of their balance and skill.

Legacy: Legacy is built with old friends. One such friend of Mr. Andrews was Jack Bohannon. Mr. Bohannon wrote a note that he has asked that I read here today:

Read Note from Mr. Bohannon

Legacy is built by being a Mentor, playmate, friend and guardian. Legacy is being described as, “studious, vigilant, watchful and attentive in his desires to help

others and loved utilizing his skills that allowed him to do so”.

Legacy is being a Husband, father, father in law, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend.

Song: “Because You Loved Me” Celine Dion

I have one last tidbit that I would like to share today. During the past several months I have had the privilege of sitting with Mr. Andrews and reading with him. He had quite a selection of books to read from. The most recent is, “”The Boys in the Boat” the story of the 1936 Olympic Gold Medal Rowing team. I would like to share a quote from the book.

“Rowing a race is an art, not a frantic scramble. It must be rowed with head power as well as hand power. From the first stroke all thoughts of the other crew must be blocked out. Your thoughts must be directed to you and your own boat, always positive, never negative”.

Legacy is built with thoughts directed toward those you have direct impact upon, your family and close friends, always positive, never negative.

“Mullet, you’ll be fine…you can’t be afraid to try new things”.

Closing Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, It is to you that we have commended Lowell Andrews. We pray for your comfort, for your strength and for your compassion to be upon his family and his friends. Lord I pray for your blessing upon all that are gathered here today. It is in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Internment Service

“Remember Me” by Margaret Mead

Remember Me:

To the living, I am gone.

To the sorrowful, I will never return.

To the angry, I was cheated,

But to the happy, I am at peace,

And to the faithful, I have never left.

I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.

So as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea — remember me.

As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty — remember me.

As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity — remember me.

Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved,

the times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed.

For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.

Closing Prayer: Closing Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, It is to you commend Lowell Andrews. We pray for your comfort, for your strength and for your compassion to be upon his family and his friends. Lord I pray for your blessing upon all that are gathered here today. It is in Jesus name we pray, Amen