Andrew Edward Dieterman III

And when he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" –– It’s a Wonderful Life

Andy Dieterman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, Paka, airman, police officer, patriot, high-roller, sports fan, Love Boat devotee, and It’s a Wonderful Life aficionado, died just short of age 76 on November 30, one day before his birthday. A native New Yorker, Andy was the adored husband of Sharon, and the precious father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to Shelley, Kristee, Ashlie, MacKenzie, Dakota, Patrick, Erin, Anndie, Cole, Bella, Kaden, Slade, and Elijah.

Born and raised in Albany, New York, Andy graduated with high honors from Albany High School in 1966. He was a star on the basketball court, which led to a lifelong passion for basketball. A natural athlete, Andy also excelled in track, setting school and district records. Following high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. As an airman, Andy served his country throughout the world. This New Yorker got his first taste of Texas while at Lackland Air Force Base for basic training. He then served as an Aircraft Radio Repair Specialist, which his family found amusing because he always said he couldn’t fix anything. His next assignment was as a Sentry Dog Handler in Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam. While on night duty, he would suck on lemons to stay awake. (If you fell asleep, chances were high that you would be ambushed and killed.) Andy’s next assignment was a Security Police Preparatory course, which piqued his interest in law enforcement. When a fellow officer was killed in action, Andy volunteered for honor guard duty to escort his body home to his family. A highlight of his time in the Air Force was going to Australia for R&R. Andy was wounded in action in Vietnam and received the Air Force Commendation Medal for distinctive meritorious achievement and service. In July 1972, Staff Sergeant Andrew Dieterman was honorably discharged, and he returned to Texas for good. Andy seamlessly transitioned from one type of service to another––from protecting and serving his country abroad to protecting and serving his community at home. Andy became a police officer with Amarillo Police Department (APD), and ended his 33-year career as Assistant Police Chief. He led APD during a period of tremendous growth and transition, both within the city and within APD. Andy developed a premier training program to ensure that APD would always be highly skilled and professional. Because of his work, even today, APD is sought out by other police departments for training, instructors, and visionary ideas. When he was charged with managing APD’s budget, he became known as “Colonal No” for keeping a tight rein on spending. A highlight of his career was when he was selected to participate in the prestigious FBI National Academy in Washington, D.C. Andy loved his family dearly and always wanted them near. He made lifelong friends easily and always welcomed new ones. Andy and buddies could often be found walking together in the mornings followed by a time of fellowship and tea drinking at Chicken Express. Andy also liked the fun-loving vibe of casinos where he won more than he lost at the craps table. He liked to play the slot machines standing next to Sharon––and he always seemed to have better luck than she did. He cheered enthusiastically for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He loved hating the Dallas Cowboys and rooted enthusiastically for any team playing against them. He enjoyed playing catcher on a variety of softball teams made up of friends and colleagues. He also reveled in being a rabble-rouser by instigating debates about off-limits topics like religion and politics. And despite his police training, he was frequently busted as he slipped off to the pantry to grab his favorite snack: Oreos and milk. Andy made enormous sacrifices to provide for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A frugal bargain-hunter, he would never pay full price for anything or squander a good bargain. After purchasing his treasures, he would stash away these future birthday and Christmas presents in an off-limits closet in the garage.

Andy was a devoted father to his children. During his daughters’ high school years, Andy supported Shelly on the swim team and Kristee on the cross-country team, often shouting “encouragement” such as, “Don’t run like your mother!” Andy was also a loving grandfather and Paka, as he was known to his great-grandchildren. His greatest joy was loving, teaching, caring, and encouraging his great-grandchildren. He delighted in them.

Andy and Sharon were introduced by a dear friend and first met over drinks. After a short courtship, they wed on November 22, 1972. They were happily married for 51 years. They were frequent cruisers and loved watching Broadway-style shows, listening to live music, and dancing together. They frequently teased each other about who would die first––each insisting on being the first to go. Sharon has some righteous indignation over Andy winning this argument. Sharon and Andy always loved just being together, whether watching TV in their living room, dancing, caring for their grandchildren or great-grandchildren, or dining together at the Texas Roadhouse. They were happiest in each other’s company.

Andy was preceded in death by his beloved mom, Elizabeth Davis Dieterman; father, Andrew Dieterman II; daughter, Shelley Medlan; mother-in-law Jerlene Mahaffee; father-in-law, Earsey Mahaffee; great-granddaughter, Breley Dieterman; and dearest friends Cliff Reid and Gary.

Andy Dieterman was deeply loved, and he deeply loved those around him. His life was marked by sterling service to his fellow man. He embodied unshakable conviction, and he lived a life of surpassing integrity and honor.

You toiled hard, Dad, now you rest.

So proud you are ours, one of the best.