John Louis Andrews

John Louis Andrews, age 90, of Matthews, North Carolina and formerly of Hartland, Michigan, peacefully passed from this life on March 1, 2025 after battling Alzheimer’s. He was born on May 31, 1934 to the late Frank E. and Ruth I. (Fisher) Andrews in Olin Iowa.

John was a loving, kind, generous and faithful man. He fiercely loved and led his family. He was always smiling. He was a hard worker and led by example.

John is survived by his four daughters -- Jeanne Adkins (Donald) of Stanfield, NC; Jill Crist (Richard) of Fort Wayne, IN; Karen Southard of Matthews, NC; Sandy Sneath (William) of Hartland, MI -- and six granddaughters – Allison Michaud (Ryan), Julie Adkins, Katherine (Christian) Branch, Nicole Crist, Airona Sneath, and Destini Sneath – and four great grandchildren – Abigail, Isaac, Hannah and Andrew Michaud – and his nephews Frank Andrews and Larry Andrews, niece Patti Andrews. He is preceded in death by his wife Carole in 2016 – and his brothers William and Edwin.

John grew up in Iowa and Indiana. While growing up in Goshen, John worked on farms with his Dad and in the flower garden with his Mom. John was an eagle scout and once attended Boy Scott Jubilee. Their family raised and showed Schipperke Belgium dogs.

John attended Goshen High School, where he was a member of many clubs and athletic teams. John joined the Navy after graduating. After serving, John went on to study business and math at Western Michigan University graduating in 1961.

John married Carole, the love of his life, in 1957 while he was attending Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They were married for 58 years before Carole passed in 2016. John eventually moved the family to Hartland, Michigan where they raised their four daughters. He was a loving father to his daughters and a dedicated husband. John owned and managed the Oasis Truck Plaza for 35 years in Hartland. NATSO (National Association of Truck Stop Operators) was a huge part of his life. As a family, they went to many summer conventions that were geared for work and family activities. The family belonged to the First Presbyterian Church in Howell, Michigan where John served as an elder.

With his great accomplishment being his family, he was continually involved in his businesses and community. He gave his all to everything. The Oasis was the main business as well as a proprietor of Little Oasis Amoco and John’s Self-Serve in Brighton, and Fowlerville Farms Family Restaurant. He was a member of the Howell Elks, Jaycees, Hartland School Board president, coached his daughter’s softball teams, and Hartland Memorial Day Parade 1997 Grand Marshall. John was honored to serve in endless Boards and committees in Hartland and Livingston County. John gave his time and efforts towards the numerous community groups and organizations to help others.

While in Michigan as empty nesters, John and Carole were season ticket holders for the University of Michigan (football, hockey, basketball). They were able to travel and to enjoy attending two Rose Bowl appearances and several trips to the NCAA Final Four.

After John retired and sold the truck stop, they moved to Matthews, North Carolina to be close to their daughters and granddaughters and to enjoy the milder weather. They became part of the community by joining the Siskey YMCA, the UNCC athletic supporters club and traveling all over the Carolinas to play golf with new friends. John and Carole were regular attendees of the Wells Fargo Championship for over 10 years. John continued to serve by volunteering on the Polo Club Owners Association.

His family would like to thank his caregivers during the past five years while he lived at home and at Brookdale Carriage Club. In his last days of life, he was surrounded by caring, nurturing and informative staff at Atrium Healthcare (Carolinas Medical Center) in both the ER department and on the 9th floor.

On Sunday March 9th a private memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held for family and close friends at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel. Afterwards, a reception will be at granddaughter Julie Adkins’ home.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s honor to the Charlotte Rescue Mission (https://charlotterescuemission.org/donate/ )

Condolences can by made online at the McEwen Funeral Service

(https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/charlotte-nc/john-andrews-12268520 )