John Andrews

John David Andrews, 78, of Grand Prairie, Texas passed away on February 28, 2023. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on November 21, 1944. He was a lifelong resident of Grand Prairie, and graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1963. He married his wife, Kathleen, on January 22, 1970. Everyone who met him described him as a nice, kind man. He was quiet and humble, slow to anger, and never said anything negative about anyone.

John served in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1966, and was stationed on the USS Saratoga in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a proud veteran and loved his country. He hung the American flag outside his home for every national holiday. After serving in the Navy, he worked for the City of Grand Prairie as Athletic Director from 1966 to 1970. He retired from Central Freight Lines after 30+ years of service. At work, he was well known for his hard work and loyalty. He never missed a day of work in thirty years. He attended work every day and worked outside, even through Texas ice storms, freezing weather, and thunderstorms. 

He had a passion for soft drinks, ice cream, fried potatoes, the weather, and country music. He was well known for his love of all sports. He was always watching some kind of sporting event on television. He coached a YMCA boys’ basketball team in the mid-60s that went to State. In addition, he coached his daughter’s soccer team for eight years, and was well loved by all his players. He passed his love of sports, especially ice hockey, on to his wife and children. He introduced ice hockey to his wife and children by taking them to all of the Fort Worth Fire hockey games. He played on the Grand Prairie Fire Department softball team in the early 1970s as the catcher. He loved and followed the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys and college teams like the Texas Longhorns and Stephen F. Austin University. 

John was a devout Christian and began his love of Christ as a child at Eighth Street Baptist Church where he accepted Christ as his Savior. After marrying his wife, he attended Fairview Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. After retirement he joined Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cedar Hill. He was often observed reading his Bible alone in his room. 

He adored his granddaughter, Shelby. They spent many days in the backyard playing soccer together. He loved hearing her laughter when he squirted her with the water hose on warm days. He also loved it when she would pretend to “steal” his chair and not let him sit down. She will always be his “Little One”. 

He was a truly remarkable man who loved his family and was dearly loved in return. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Andrews, his son Trace Andrews, daughter Jennifer Andrews Daniel, son-in-law Steven Daniel, and granddaughter Shelby Daniel.

He is preceded in death by his mother Irene Andrews, his father John Andrews and a brother Tommy Andrews.

Funeral arrangements will be held on Sunday at 10:00, March 5th, at Bean Massey Funeral Home in Grand Prairie, Texas.