Andrew Charles Fooks

Andrew Charles Fooks was born July 6th, 1974 to Charles Ray and Katherine Fooks in Colorado Springs, CO. Andrew ultimately grew up in San Jose, CA. He learned a sense of community through his parents, Roger and Katherine Cedillo and a love of nature through many adventures traveling to a number of national parks with his grandparents, Gerry and Margaret Muñoz. Andrew graduated from Andrew Hill High School in 1992, having picked up skills in photography and wood working, also learning to play piano and dabbling in ceramics. His career path began as many teens do, with temporary work in California until that first major career. In Andrew's case, this was to be by serving the United States of America in the US Army.
Andrew entered the Army October 1992 as an airborne infantryman in Alaska. From Alaska, he changed occupations to a petroleum supply specialist, serving on posts in Texas, Germany, and Washington through January 2005, respectively. Graduating from the Quartermaster School with a petroleum supply specialist diploma at Ft. Lee, VA, Andrew exceeds course standards and ranked number 1 in his class with Division Chief's comments: "He displayed a high degree of confidence, maturity, and motivation. He will make an outstanding NCO." Andrew separated from the Army, entering the Alaska National Guard, continuing to serve as a petroleum supply specialist until his retirement March 2013. Andrew deployed to Kosovo twice, Iraq, and Afghanistan in service of our great nation. He proudly served his country, earning the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army's Achievement Medal 5 times, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Commendation Medal 6 times, Good Conduct Medal 3 times, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal twice, NATO Medal, and the Kosovo Campaign Medal twice. Andrew also earned a number of service-related badges, commendations, and ribbons while seeking learning opportunities throughout his military career.
Andrew met his wife Heather in Anchorage 1996. They talked over coffee late into the evening with friends, Danae Brown and Troy Carmoney. Troy and Danae married first. Andrew and Heather were blessed to have a late summer wedding at Andrew's grandparents' home in Fresno, CA later the following year. Andrew and Heather traveled to many far away places, saw many sights, experienced different cultures, and ate way too much. Both learned to ride motorcycles. They took up riding throughout Alaska with a few longer motorcycle trips, visiting a number of national parks as well as the motorcycle mecca Sturgis, and visiting family while down in the lower 48.
Andrew took it upon himself to further his education after the Army by attending Motorcycle Mechanic's Institute, in both Florida and Arizona to learn more about his hobby. He went on to earn completion certificates for the Motorcycle Technician Specialist programs for BMW Motorrad, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. After earning these certifications, Andrew took work on with the local Harley, then BMW motorcycle dealerships until he fully retired from work life in 2019. He had a profound love of country, state, home, family, and fur babies. He officially became a resident in 2005, but in his heart, he was Alaskan from the day he got off the plane for the first time. His passions included: atv's, camping, fishing, firearms, motorcycles, nature in general, and photography.
Andrew had a natural inclination to problem solve, build small things from scratch, wood work, and just tinker in general. He applied these skills around his home and in his neighborhood, believing charity started at home first. Andrew was introverted, but strong willed and kind. He was absolutely giving of his time, the most precious thing a person can give. One of his favorite quotes was "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do by the Grace of God, I shall do."
Andrew was preceded in death by his grandmother, Margaret Munoz, uncles Richard & Robert Munoz, aunt Margaret Munoz, grandfather & grandmother-in law Thomas & Phyllis Love, and father & mother-in-law, Jerome & Robyn Smith.
Andrew is survived by his grandfather Genaro Munoz, stepfather Roger Cedillo, mother Katherine Cedillo, sister Teresa Benevidez-Wilson, brother-in law Derrick Wilson, nephew Michael Fooks, nephew Nathan Benevidez, brother-in-law Shawn Smith, and wife of 27 years, Heather Fooks. He also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him. Andrew passed away unexpectedly at home in Eagle River, Alaska 04/05/2025. He was 50 years old.
A military funeral honors and committal service for Andrew will take place at the Ft. Richardson National Cemetery, Ft. Richardson, Alaska 06/13/2025 1430 hours with a celebration of life at his home to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local veteran service organization such as a local American Legion, DAV, USO, VFW, and/or the Wounded Warrior Project.