With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Billy Lestes Andrews on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026 at 6:58PM at Parkview Hospital, Ft Wayne, Indiana, after a short illness. Born October 13th, 1946 in Marion, Indiana to Otha L. Andrews and Maxine (Palmer) Andrews.
Billy was a man full of adventure. He was an avid fisherman, hiker, mushroom hunter, and loved to travel and was always ready for the next trip or the next good spot on the water. He was a problem solver, endlessly curious, and wanted to know how everything worked. He never met a gadget, engine, or mystery he didn’t want to take apart and understand. Ask him about almost anything and he’d either know the answer or be determined to figure it out. He was a garage “tinkerer” and dipped his toe in wine making, household repairs, engine repairs, woodworking, painting cars, or anything else that might strike his fancy on that particular day. He was also a lover of music with a wonderfully eclectic taste that he enjoyed sharing with his family.
He was extremely close to his two brothers and sister, often spending hours talking with them over the phone or spending time with them while on another excursion.
He never met a stranger and nobody who met him was a stranger for long. He asked questions, he listened, and he remembered names. To him, everyone had a story worth hearing.
He loved to tell stories, and he could make a simple fishing trip or a trip to the hardware store sound like an adventure. He was just as good at listening and always offered his best advice. He never missed a chance to laugh and to share a laugh, and that laugh was big, warm, and completely contagious.
Billy had wanderlust in his soul. He traveled the Unites States by car, boat, plane and VW van. He was always eager to see what was around the next bend in the road. He collected places the way some collect keepsakes and every trip became a story he couldn’t wait to tell. It wasn’t just about the destination. For him, it was the road itself; the back routes, the roadside stops, the stranger he’d end up talking to, the story he would tell for years afterward. He knew the best part of any trip was the road itself.
He was thoughtful, kind, and caring, most times placing his family and friends above himself. He was a wonderful son to his parents, a a guiding father to his children, and a wise old owl to his grandchildren and great grandchild. He was a conscientious and loving partner to his love, Helen. He was an excellent brother, always there when it counted, and a beloved uncle who always made time for his nieces and nephews. He was a cat lover, offering a warm home and food to the community cats that always seemed to find him. He was the carer of his soul cat “Gracie” for 18 years, and was still morning her death, four years later.
Billy had many interest and hobbies over his 80 years on this earth that include bicycling, motorcycles, fishing, running, woodworking, cars, painting, puzzles, computers, lawncare, books, nature, fishing, music, gardening, wine making, line dancing and Texas Two Stepping, helping his family, friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed being in nature could often be found watching nature programs and documentaries. He was a fan of the series “Survivor”, where he was quick to find a favorite and root for them the entire season like they were his favorite player on a sports team.
He worked for General Cable in Marion, Indiana for 49.5 years, eventually retiring in 2014 a career that showed his loyalty, dedication, and work ethic.
Billy’s last words were, “I am going on a trip”.
Godspeed, Billy.
He will be missed more than words can convey and will never be able to be replaced.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Otha L. and Maxine (Palmer) Andrews of Marion, Indiana and brother, Bobby Andrews of Cookville, Tennessee.
Those left to mourn the loss of this great man are, his life-partner and longtime companion, Helen Draper of Wabash, IN., Children, Tye L. Andrews of Marion, IN., Jennifer J. Ayala (Troy), of LaFontaine, IN., Stepson, Timothy Draper of Somerset, IN., stepdaughter Tyann Phillips (Todd) of Roann, IN., Brother, Michael Andrews (Cathy) of Texas City, TX., Sister, Armetta Herring of Greentown, IN., and sister-in-law, Betty Andrews of Warren, IN.
Grandchildren, Olivia Ayala of Ann Arbor, MI., Aidan Ayala of Marion, IN., Isaac Ayala (Barbara) of Westfield, IN., Three step-grandchildren, Trevor Draper, Tanner Phillips, and Tyus Phillips and one step-great grandson, Taiten Draper. Along with many special nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held at Falls Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.
Preferred memorials can be made to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992
McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Billy Andrews’ final arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com
