Robert Lee Andrews, 84, longtime resident of Prosser, passed from this life to be with the Lord on December 15, 2014 at his home in Kennewick.
He was born on October 25, 1930 son of Mildred (Turner) Andrews and step dad Gordon Andrews in Yakima where he spent his early years. He graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1949 where he played football and basketball. Later in life, he continued to play recreational basketball for a local town team for many years. Bob met his future wife, Louise Verne Smith in Walla Walla and the couple married there on October 29, 1949. They made their home in Prosser and Bob began farming with his father in law GW Smith, establishing Bob-Lou Farms on the Horse Heaven Hills in the Alderdale area, raising wheat, cattle and grapes. He was one of the earliest irrigators on the Horse Heaven.
Bob was a member of The First Presbyterian Church in Prosser and later, a member of Mabton Grace Brethren Church. He served as financial secretary for Mabton Grace Brethren Church for eighteen years, encouraged and helped with the Spanish congregation, supported missionaries around the world and went on several mission trips to the Philippines. He was also a 4-H Leader of Horse Heaven Stock Masters 4-H Club for more than twenty years, Livestock Superintendent for the Grandview Fair for many years; member of the Washington Hereford Association, Cattleman’s Association and the Klickitat Wheat Growers Association.
Bob also served as president, manager and advisor for the Farmers Warehouse & Commission Co. for more than thirty years; Prosser School Board for ten years; Director of Valley Processing for many years (formerly, Mountain Valley Co-op); served on the Klickitat County Conservation Board; and was founder of the Alderdale Fire Board and served as Commissioner for many years.
Bob enjoyed playing Monday night golf and salmon fishing in Alaska with his friends. He also enjoyed traveling, skiing and playing cards with his children and grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Louise of Kennewick; six children, Mike (Martha) Andrews of Prosser, Barbara (Henry) Wilson of Leavenworth, Scott (Dana) Andrews of Prosser, Rob (Angela) Andrews of Prosser, Pam (Chris) Kruger of Adna, WA and Sandy (Doug) Rowell of Prosser; his sister, Betty (Les) Lay of Mount Lake Terrace and sister-in-law, Lyda Andrews of Benton, Kansas. He is also survived by twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren; four nieces and four nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Andrews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to Mabton Grace Brethren Church, Philippines Ministries, PO Box 216, Mabton, WA 98935 or Safe Family Ministries PO Box 935, Chehalis, WA 98532.