Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Andrews Obituary
January 9, 1932 - January 11, 2021
Preceded in death by his first wife Betty (Williams), sister Georgena (Earl) Schiable, parents Wilbur and Fern Andrews of Arapahoe, Nebraska, and great-grandson William Clisso.
Survived by wife Wyoma (Upward), his children: Thomas Andrews of Omaha, Dr. William (Nancy) Andrews of Blue Springs, MO, Robert (Nancy) Andrews of Royse City, TX, Catherine (Larry) Sosso of Omaha, James (Lisa) Andrews of Omaha, John (DeAnn) of Homestead, Iowa, 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and Wyoma's children: Linda (Grail) Kister of Northglenn, CO, Denise Specht of Longmont, CO, Shelley (Cory) Simmons of Cheyenne, WY, J.D. Upward of Greeley, CO, 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
His enduring love of family and lifelong friendships are his cherished legacy. His love of science, and teaching are exemplified by his gift of his body the Anatomical Board of Nebraska. Memorials suggested to Sienna Francis House, St. James Seaton Catholic Church, Creighton University, the Anatomical Board of Nebraska.
Richard left Arapahoe in 1950 and enrolled at Creighton University. His college education was interrupted while he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in 1954 he married Betty, earned his B.S. in biology (1958), M.S. in physiology (1959) from Creighton, and his Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics (1963) from the University of Iowa. He married Wyoma (Harman) Upward in 1997.
Dr. Andrews was a Professor of Biology and Physiology at Creighton University until 1998 where he taught and mentored countless undergraduate, graduate and the health professions students. He served as Assistant Dean of the School of Medicine and Dean of the Graduate School. He was honored with awards including Outstanding American Educator, the Medical School Golden Apple Award, Nebraska Academy of Sciences Maiben Lecturer, Creighton Distinguished Faculty Serviced Award, the Alumni Merit Award, Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus.
Professor Andrews conducted research on animal adaptations to extreme climates. He was a visiting scientist at the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory in Alaska, the University of British Columbia Institute of Ecology, the Australian Antarctic Research Division, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia. He presented his research at scientific symposia in Leningrad, in Novosibirsk, Siberia, NATO Institute in Germany, the Peoples' Republic of China Academy of Sciences and the International Society for Biometerology in the Netherlands and Austria. He was a Fellow of the American Physiological Society, the United States National Science Foundation, the Arctic Institute of North America and the Explorers Club of London and New York. Dr. Andrews was a member of the American Society of Mammalogists, Endocrine Society, Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, International Society for Biometeorology, Sigma Xi, Alpha Sigma Nu.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Andrews
CU Faculty
January 8, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person! We at Creighton University will love you and miss your presence always.
Signed,
CU Faculty (1/8/24)
David A. haberman
January 21, 2021
My sincere sympathy to you, Wyoma, and all Dick's family.
Suzanne (Wms.)& William C Ward,Jr.
January 19, 2021
One of the great joys in our life, was knowing cousin Betty & Rich!!! Then later,Rich found love with Wyoma joining our family. Rich was a "rock star" in his field & respected around the world!! We want very much to be at the memorial, so we can reconnect with all of you "kids". Love & Prayers
Timothy E.
January 18, 2021
I so wish to hug you Catherine.
Stephen J Hess BS69 MS71 DDS 1978
January 18, 2021
Truly a legend as a mentor and a teacher. His integrity, dedication, wit, humility, and academic excellence established a high benchmark for all. Condolences to all his family members.
Francis Durham VFW Dist 10 Chaplain
January 18, 2021
Thank you for your Service May you be Granted the Caisson of Honor on your journey to a Restful Peace
Mark Sheffield
January 17, 2021
Dr. Andrews was an advisor and mentor to me almost 45 years ago in the Physiology graduate division at Creighton University. He had an enormous effect on my life, the extent to which I can't even begin to describe. As a pleasant reminder, Dr. Andrews' son, Bill, and I were classmates at Creighton medical school. Dr. Andrews was the ultimate scientist who led by example. He was often quiet, but very influential. While I regret his passing, I celebrate his life and the positive impact he had on countless numbers of students. I thought about him often even after all this time. My sincere condolences to his entire family.
Marletta McKercher
January 16, 2021
So sorry to hear of Dick's death. In addition to working with him, Ted and I enjoyed him immensely at the Nuclei parties and whenever we meet him. He was a great joy. My sincere sympathies and know you are in my prayers.
Jarrett Upward
January 16, 2021
I love you Grandpa. I will miss the days of sitting with you on the potch in estas park. You've helped shaped me into the man I am today. Helping me chase my dreams and pushing me to become the best I can be. I will always rember that no matter what you would always open the car door for grandma. You where a true gentleman and I hope to be like you one day. Rest easy I hope to see you again someday in another life. We'll go out for breakfast just you and I. I love you and will miss you.
Carol Dee (Faw) Ziebell
January 15, 2021
My most sincere sympathy to all of you. I grew up with Richard, Bettty and Wyoma and have many fond memories of them. May God wrap you in his loving arms and give you comfort peace.
Kathy and Doug Taggart
January 15, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the family. Dr Andrews was a great man and a cherished mentor. His great gift to me was teaching me to be the best I could be. I missed his Christmas messages these past few years. He will be surely missed.
Lynne Farr
January 15, 2021
Please accept my sympathy. Dr. Andrews was a great mentor and teacher.
Deborah ODonnell Neary
January 15, 2021
My parents, Jim and Rose Ann O´Donnell, send their condolences. They wish they could see all of the kids and grand kids in person to celebrate the life of Dr. Andrew´s and the beautiful family that he and Betty created. My parents and my siblings have wonderful memories of Betty and Rich and of all of you- and we especially remember the kindness and support you gave to our family over the many years of being neighbors. My parents want to attend when we can all be in person again for memorial services. We hope that the beautiful memories of your father can bring peace at this challenging time.
Tom Fried -San Diego, CA
January 15, 2021
Dr. Andrews was a colleague of my Dad at Creighton and had distinguished career. He was a great man. I´m good friends with his son John. Wonderful family.
Dr. Andrews will be missed. Much love sent to the family.
John Schalles
January 15, 2021
As a new Biology faculty at Creighton in 1979, I was soon introduced to Dick and feel honored to have known him and shared many lively and enjoyable discussions and social events. I worked with Dick as a Biology Graduate Program Director, took over his Environmental Ecology course, and served on the Graduate School Board. Dick was revered by his faculty colleagues and a role model for many of us.
Beverly Hubenka
January 14, 2021
So sorry, A long time friend. A gentleman and a scholar
Dr. and Mrs. Floyd Knoop
January 14, 2021
Pam and I offer our condolences to the entire family. Dr. Andrews was an exceptional and wonderful person and will be sorely missed. IN DEEPEST SYMPATHY
Fr. Jim Clifton, SJ
January 14, 2021
Creighton University was blessed by Dr. Andrews' long and distinguished career. He was an exceptional teacher and administrator and his contributions to his field are many and noteworthy. Perhaps his greatest gift to us was his dedication to helping everyone be the best they could be, in every way. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us for so many years. I will remember him at Mass and will pray that God comfort all who miss him.
Bob Guthrie
January 14, 2021
Dick was a valued board member of the university magazine, then called Window Magazine. But in any world Richard will be sorely missed for his wit and wisdom.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Andrews's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Andrews
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Andrews's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
