Donald Eugene Andrews

Donald Eugene Andrews, a 26 year resident of Colville, WA passed away on December 12, 2013 in Chewelah, WA at the age of 78. Don was born on September 20, 1935 in Bartlesville, OK the son of Stanley Euberta and Isabelle (Tinker) Andrews.

He began grade school in Bartlesville, OK and then moved with his family at the age of 9 to Bremerton, WA. While in Bremerton, Don graduated from the Bremerton High School in 1953. He entered the U.S. Army where he became an accomplished marksman and enjoyed competing in numerous shooting competitions. Don was honorably discharged on September 6, 1957 at Ft. Lewis, WA and returned to Bellingham to begin studying education. Don met Ailene Mildred McNeil and their courtship led to marriage. After graduating in 1962, Don and Ailene moved to Odessa, WA where he began his first teaching job. He also taught in Silverdale, WA before finishing his 22 year career in education while in Moses Lake. Don then opened and operated the Moses Lake Insurance Center. In 1981 he married Ursula Goodall. Together they operated the insurance agency until its sale in 1984. Don then returned to college to renew his teaching credentials at Central Washington University. In 1987, they relocated their family to Colville, WA. Don worked as a substitute teacher for two years before accepting a position at the Stevens County Treasures office. Nine years later, he was given the opportunity to work at Sportsman's Cove Lodge on Prince of Whales Island in Alaska as the captain of a sport fishing boat. He worked every summer in Alaska for 14 years, including five years on Prince of Whales and nine years in Ketchikan. While in Ketchikan, he worked as a captain for Baranof Fishing Excursions as well as Alaska Amphibious Adventures.

Don's love for water and the woods developed at a very young age while fishing and hunting with his father. He shared this passion with his family and enjoyed many outdoor adventures throughout the years. Don's constant quest for knowledge inspired his voracious appetite for reading. From fishing lures to tools, he was the ever present "go-to guy" for his family, always offering help and guidance upon request. With his steady and true character, he was a pillar of stability and support for friends, co-workers and family.

He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Free & Accepted Masons.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his step-mother, Wilma Andrews.

He is survived by his wife, Ursula Andrews, at the home; four children, Stanley Andrews and his wife, Pat, Moses Lake, WA, Jeffrey Andrews, Tri-Cities, WA, Cristin Richartz and her husband, Joe, Kettle Falls, WA and Mary Aubert and her husband, Mike here in Colville; one sister, Myrna Strong and her husband, Ron, Los Alamos, NM, and fifteen wonderful grandchildren.

Don's family will celebrate his life at a later date. In honor of Don's life, please tell your loved ones how you feel about them. Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted.