John Andrews

John Stanley “Big John” Andrews died peacefully on November 16th in Rio Rancho, New Mexico at the age of 84. John is survived by his children; John W Andrews of Mesilla, NM; Sarah Andrews of Ripon, CA, husband Richard VanderMeulen, children Richard and Elizabeth; and Aaron Andrews of Albuquerque, NM and his wife Tamie. He is preceded in death by; his wife Vernalynn G Andrews; and parents John Harvey and Gladys Mae Andrews.

John was born on October 3rd, 1940 in Brownwood, TX, and grew up in Sun Valley, CA where he made life-long friends and loved going to the beach. After serving a 2.5-year mission near Santiago, Chile he graduated from BYU, UT with a BA in South American Studies, minor in Biblical studies. Here he met and married his college crush and love Vernalynn in 1964. After moving to Los Angeles he began working for LA County as an Analyst and Drug Abuse Coordinator. Later moving to Modesto, CA where he was a Budget Writer and Analyst for the County Public Health Department for 25 years, and Boy Scout Master for many of those. Over 16 years, the couple welcomed 3 children into their home and John set about teaching them a love of music and language and nature. For the last 35 years he has been a resident of New Mexico – which he loved. He completed his Masters in Secondary Education from NMSU in 2001, owned a small business and taught Spanish and English as a Second Language to many at Dona Ana Community College. His children remember him as a joyful father who encouraged them to pursue their goals, serve others and enjoy life. John was accomplished at teaching his children as he was teaching others; the Spanish language, music, and science. He was a sweet individual who loved Mesoamerican culture and archaeology, and who was most happy reading about it while swinging in his hammock. A private celebration of life was held by those closest to him with a brass NOLA band to send him off. The family would like to thank his caregivers at Haven Care for their love and care over the past couple years.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Alzheimers Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google_SL&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiApNW6BhD5ARIsACmEbkWM3XGKxI2PqftMPcZKg6Znez2sdqomI6tUJGNL6oOGeGLMeNuuFgcaAg7HEALw_wcB.