GEORGE ANDREW

George Andrew, age 87, went home to the Lord on his 67th wedding anniversary, December 31, 2011. George was born on November 16, 1924, in Kerman, California to Pete and Agnes Andrew. At age four, the family moved to a farm in Madera County. During the Great Depression, they moved to San Francisco where George earned money selling newspapers on trolley cars and on the streets. After two years, it was back to the farm. George attended Ripperdan Elementary School and graduated from Madera High School. When he was eighteen, his father died, leaving him to run the family farm. He served in the U. S. Merchant Marines during World War II and married Gladys, the love of his life, when he was twenty. George spent his life farming and over the years he raised the following crops: rice, barley, cotton, alfalfa, beans, corn, potatoes, sugar beets, oats, wheat, raisin grapes, wine grapes, almonds and pistachios. He also tried the cattle business for a few years. He was delighted to have all of his children and some of his grandchildren become involved in farming. In 1974, many of his farming neighbors gave him the title, "The Godfarmer" because of his willingness to help anyone in need. He was selected to be the Madera County Senior Farmer of the Year in 1991. George helped develop the Gravelly Ford Water District and was on the Board of Directors for 50 years, serving as President of the Board for 28 years. Recently, the Gravelly Ford Water District Board of Directors named the district's new pumping station, "The George Andrew Pump Station." He served as a trustee for Ripperdan Elementary School for many years. He also served on the Board of Directors for Madera Co-op Cotton Gin, Madera County Farm Bureau, and Guild Winery. He was a member of the American Cancer Society Century Club in Madera, Madera County Arts Council, Madera County Historical Society, and a longtime supporter of Fresno-Madera Youth for Christ. George is survived by Gladys, his loving wife of 67 years; sister, Lorraine Person of Fresno; daughter, Karen Andrew; son, Chester Peter Andrew and his wife Terry; daughter, Diane Kirk; and daughter, Janice Lowder and her husband Larry all of Madera County; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren plus one soon to come; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; and cousins. He dearly loved all of his family, including the men who have faithfully worked on the ranch for years. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at the Wagner Family Cemetery in Friant, California. A Memorial Service celebrating George's life will take place at the Madera United Methodist Church, 500 Sunset in Madera, California, on Friday, January 6, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made to the Madera County Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund, 1102 S. Pine, Madera, California 93637.