Howard "Don" Andrews

H. Donald Andrews, 95, of Ronks passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 13, 2024. He was born September 9, 1928, to parents Alice M. and Christian K. Andrews. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 74 years, Bea Elizabeth, 6 children and a loving family of 67 people who will miss him dearly.

Don was a lithograph printer for Armstrong and Kerr Glass for over 49 years. When he retired, he became “Mr. Fix-It” at the Amish Farm and House until he was 85 years old. Don was able to fix many things and enjoyed wood-working and carving peach seeds into funny faces. Over the years Don made many, many benches, doll houses, candle holders, candy jars and miscellaneous items. He and Bea often surprised the family with a wood craft for holidays, birthdays and special occasions.

Don was a faithful member of Leacock Presbyterian Church since 1959. He served as an elder, deacon and was head usher for many years. Don also volunteered as a fireman with the Ronks Fire Company and always participated in making Ronks chicken corn soup. Every fall, Don went hunting with his son and others to Weavertown Lodge in Sullivan County. He also enjoyed playing baseball with the Leacock Church baseball team, throwing quoits and bowling with his sons. Don bowled in several leagues including a traveling work team and senior league. It was not unusual for Don to place a ringer on the pin in quoits or to score near 300 when bowling. When the grandchildren came to visit, it was always a treat to go fishing with Grandpa. The great-grandchildren liked whittling with G-Pa while they watched birds at his bird feeders from his front porch. Don participated in monthly meetings with Strasburg Senior Citizens with his wife Bea. Don loved the Phillies and Eagles often wearing a baseball hat, jersey or jacket to show his support. He watched Phillies games up until the day he died. He was proud of his teams including the Lancaster Barnstormers with a trip to watch them at least once a season.

Don will be remembered as a man who gave his all and loved God, loved his family and loved his work. He was quick with a smile and lived life as a good, hardworking, generous man. 

Don is survived by his loving wife and six children: Janice (Ken Williamson) of Ephrata, Don (Peg) of Lancaster, Mike (Karen) of Mountville, Mark (Barbara) of Lancaster, Kathy (Terry Lukehart) of Lancaster, Julie Reik of Ephrata. A sister Joyce (Bill Keene) and sister-in-law Betty Peckman also survive him. Don will be missed by over 56 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their spouses. He is also survived by 6 great-great grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by dear grandson Jason Truitt, brothers Clyde M. Andrews, Albert L. Andrews and Christian K. Andrews III and son-in-law Greig Reik.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Bea and the family at 10:00 followed by a funeral service at 11:00 on Saturday, July 20 at the Leacock Presbyterian Church 3181 Lincoln Hwy E. Paradise, PA 17562. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Leacock Presbyterian Church Ball Team.