James "Pat" Andress

James "Pat" Patrick Andress, 72, of Springfield, Mo passed away October 29th surrounded by all 5
of his children. Pat was born on February 20, 1952, to Gordon and Mary (Daugherty) Andress in Webb City, Mo. He enjoyed his childhood running around town with his 5 siblings. In his teens he moved to the Springfield area with his family and graduated from Glendale High School. Afterwards he completed the welding program at Vo-tech.
He worked at a local welding shop for a few years before he went to work at Paul Mueller for 15
years. In 1986 he began working at a hardwood flooring business. He soon took over ownership
renaming the business Andress Flooring. The high quality of his work led to him being one of the most sought-after hardwood flooring specialists in historic downtown Springfield and the greater Ozarks. Pat loved being self-employed allowing him to employee many friends and family members over the years, most importantly getting to work along side his sons. After 20+ years he transitioned into an independent courier driver. He always made friends wherever he went with his infectious smile and charming personality, especially on his delivery route where he was one of the most beloved drivers.
Pat loved the outdoors from hunting and fishing to camping and fireworks. He began hunting
with his dad and brother-in-law Harold as a young boy. He hunted birds, deer, and turkey. He was proud that he was able to take his daughters hunting before his sons and later enjoyed hunting with his granddaughters. He loved watching football, baseball, hockey, drag racing and short-track racing. He had a great love for music including blues, jazz, classic rock, and a little bit of old country. He spent countless hours just listening to music with his children and grandkids. Through his love of music, he found a joy in competitive two-stepping so much so he regularly two-stepped his daughters down the grocery aisle.
He is proceeded in death by his father Gordon Andress, baby sister Jane, brother-in-law Harold
Benford and sister-in-law Becky Andress. He is survived by his five children James "Chad" Andress, Todd Andress, Josh (Oceana) Andress, Alicia (Ricky) Claypool and Erin (Chad) Moots, his 12 grandkids: Abby, Kaity, Olivia, Emily, Easton, Willow, Kolby, Owen, Emerson, Avery, Emory and Maverick along with mother Mary Andress, brothers Mike (Jean) Andress and Steve Andress and sisters Sharon Benford, Sue (Larry) Stallings and Marsha Andress and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life memorial will be held November 9th at the Lovett Pinetum 2706 North
Pearson Valley Drive, Strafford, MO 65757 at 3:00 PM. The family would like everyone to join them for dinner on the grounds immediately following the service.