Rev. John Leon Andrews died peacefully at his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 20, 2020. He was born February 3, 1929, in Superior, Wisconsin, to the late John and Julia (Pedersen) Andrews. He was 90 years old.
After graduating from Superior Central High School, Superior, Wisconsin, Leon went on to study at Taylor University, Upland, Indiana, while also serving as a minister to a Methodist church. He transferred to Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Education while serving as a minister to a church in Blanchard. He then served as minister to churches in Riverdale and Elwell while also teaching in the Riverdale and Alma public schools. While serving as minister of the Riverdale and Oshtemo churches he embarked on theological studies at Garrett-Evangelical School of Theology in Evanston, Illinois, where he was awarded a Master’s Degree in Divinity. He was ordained a full Elder of the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1960. After earning his Master’s degree, Leon served as the Senior Pastor for churches in Coloma, Jackson Calvary, and Big Rapids. He served as District Superintendent for the Grand Traverse District of the West Michigan Conference (1980-1986). Prior to retiring in 1992, he served the First United Methodist Churches of Grandville and Marshall. After retirement he served as interim pastor at several churches.
Throughout his time as a minister, much of his vacation was spent building a home on Lake Louise (Thumb Lake) in northcentral Michigan. Lee and Arlene lived there full-time for twelve years after retirement. All of his family have very fond memories of vacations together at this beautiful home. They also traveled extensively in the US, Europe, and the Middle East, and spent several winters in the Florida panhandle. In 2004 Lee and Arlene moved to a townhouse at the Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they were involved in activities at the First United Methodist Church as they were able.
He will be lovingly remembered by his family including Arlene (Rich), his wife of 70 years, and four sons (and spouses) John (Jean Gaumer), Allan, Paul (Rebecca), and James (Roberta). The family includes nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Arlene Johnson and 2 nieces and a nephew.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids, 227 Fulton St E., Grand Rapids, MI, on February 1 at 11 AM with family visitation at 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Clark Benevolent Care Fund, First United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids, or Habitat for Humanity.
Last Updated on February 4, 2020