Stanley O. Andrews

Lt. Col. Stanley O. Andrews, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on September 7, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1920, only child of Harry and Irma Andrews.

Stan graduated from Florida Military Academy in 1939. After graduation, he attended St. Petersburg Junior College in Florida, earning an Associates Degree. In 1941, he signed up with the Army Air Corps to become a pilot. During WWII, Stan was a P-38 Fighter Pilot, earning Ace status while flying battles over New Guinea and in the South Pacific. During his illustrious career as a fighter pilot and Air Force Officer, he earned medals including the Bronze and Silver Stars, the Airman’s Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross, among others.

In May of 1942, he married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Leifeste and recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. Together, they enjoyed the life of a military family while being stationed in various locations, including Florida, Texas, Massachusetts and Hawaii.

After retirement from the Air Force and Civil Service, he kept his love of planes at the forefront by building and flying remote-controlled aircraft. He also enjoyed being a ham-radio operator, making friends all over the world.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Betty, daughters, Sheryl Sailar (Bud) and Karen Smith and son, Ken Andrews (Donna), 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.