Derrell Andrews

By Staff, 05/16/17 9:08 AM

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James Derrell Andrews, age 78, departed this life on Monday evening, May 15, 2017 in Texarkana, Texas, surrounded by his family.

 

Mr. Andrews was born on December 29, 1938 in Prescott, Arkansas, the second son of L.B. and Faye Andrews.  He grew up in Prescott until his teens, when the family moved to California.  He graduated from high school in El Cajon in 1956.

 

Derrell was introduced to the love of his life in December, 1962 in Prescott.  Luckee Harris was visiting family in Prescott for the Christmas holidays, and her uncle arranged a blind date, describing a young man with a beautiful blonde pompadour.  Even though Derrell appeared on her doorstep with a military buzz cut (thanks to his National Guard duties), she agreed to a date.  Upon Luckee’s return to Ohio, the two continued their courtship by writing letters daily to each other.  A proposal soon followed, and Luckee and Derrell were married in Prescott, Arkansas on June 14, 1963.  They lived briefly in California before following Derrell’s work to various states, and the couple eventually settled in Prescott, Arkansas in 1964.  Their oldest son, Kurt, was born in Columbus, Ohio, and younger son, Kelly, was born soon after their return to Prescott.

 

Derrell joined his father, L.B., and brother, Robert Andrews, at Andrews Contractors upon returning to Prescott.   In addition to Andrews Contractors, he was the owner of Prescott Sand and Gravel, Raceway convenience store, and Prescott Raceway Park.  He also raised cattle on his property, working them on horseback with his sons until they left for college.   The family attended First Baptist Church of Prescott and enjoyed regular social gatherings with good friends Ned & Heidi Duncan and Marsha & Bill Griffin.  Derrell briefly retired in his fifties, but later returned to work in the pipeline industry.  He worked until the age of 76 traveling as a coding and pipeline inspector for a variety of firms, most recently Houston Inspection and Field Services.  As he and Luckee traveled together, they cultivated an interest in antique and estate auctions, and enjoyed seeking them out in each place they visited.

 

Derrell will be best remembered by his fierce yet gentle love for his family.  He loved to cook and for many years continued his mother’s tradition of cooking large Sunday lunches for his family.  He loved gardening, and his vegetable garden was among the largest, and his rose garden was well-tended, with the names and preferences of each variety noted.  He was a man of principle and high standards.  While he and Luckee cheered their sons in sports, he also required that they take piano lessons and play an instrument in band.  He never did anything on a small scale, whether it involved growing a garden or building a workshop.  Derrell gave of himself to be the best possible husband, father and provider to his wife and family.

 

 

To honor his memory, Derrell leaves Luckee, his wife of 53 years, son Kurt Andrews and wife Susan of Texarkana, Arkansas; son Kelly Andrews and fiancée Dianne of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and his brother, Robert Andrews and wife Kathy of Prescott.  Six grandchildren include RaLeigh Andrews of Texarkana, Arkansas; Corey Andrews of Orlando, Florida; Alley Chapman and husband Houston of Gulf Breeze, Florida; Hendrix Routon of Hope, Arkansas; Miranda Rhodes and husband Harrison of Misawa, Japan, and Addison Routon of Magnolia, Arkansas.  His thoroughly spoiled Westie, Buddy, will miss their twice-daily walks at Spring Lake and Ferguson Parks.

 

Derrell will be cheering on his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks from heaven.

 

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at Brazzel-Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott.  A celebration of Derrell’s life will take place on Saturday, May 20 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Prescott, with Neal Ridling officiating.  Graveside service will follow at DeAnn Cemetery in Prescott.  A reception for family and guests will follow at First Baptist Church following the graveside service. Arrangements are by BRAZZEL/Cornish The Funeral Home of Prescott, Eddie BRAZZEL, Director. Online guest register: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com

 

 

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