Vernon Andrews

Lieutenant General (MI retired) Vernon J. Andrews, age 91, passed away February 25, 2021 from complications related to a hip fracture.  He was a man of tremendous vision, optimism and charisma. He enriched the lives of his nuclear and extended family and friends with his love, generosity, and strength. He was an inspiration to so many and encouraged people of all ages to push themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of, to dare, to dream, to endure and to persevere as he had his whole life. His energy was boundless, his work ethic astounding and both were only extinguished by his death. He was a lion of a man.

Born in Sturgis, Michigan, on December 12, 1929 he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in pre-law in 1950 and a master’s degree in history and political science in 1951, both from Michigan State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School in 1956. He also held a degree in aviation flight technology and was a commercial and instrument-rated pilot. He practiced law in the Lansing area for 27 years with his partner, William Stapleton, before his appointment in 1983 by Governor James Blanchard as the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard and Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.  In addition to his law practice and his military leadership every day of his life was an adventure and opportunity; he parachuted out of airplanes, co-owned a chain of 27 convenience food stores, built spec homes, co-owned a resort in the Caribbean and farmed walnut trees, among his many other endeavors.

He received military decorations, commendations, badges and awards too numerous to list and retired from military service as a three-star Lieutenant General (MI).

He met his wife, Grace (Pizzonia) Andrews, in graduate school at MSU. Grace and Vern, married for 65 years, were partners in every aspect of life including graciously welcoming countless family members and guests to the homes they created in Lansing, Grand Cayman Island, Venice, Florida and Pentwater, Michigan.  They built a beautiful life together surrounded by family and dear friends. Vern shared Grace’s great love of family. They had two daughters, Angela and Andrea. Vern was predeceased by his beloved wife Grace in 2018 and his daughter Angela in 2005. He was also predeceased by his parents, Ruth Woodruff Andrews and Thurman Andrews, and his two brothers, James and Franklin. Mourning his loss but grateful for his life are daughter, Andrea Andrews Larkin, son-in-law, Michael, and their children, Edward (fiancée Rachelle Soderstrom), Theodore and Grace. He is also survived by his close and loving nieces and nephew Celeste Vadnais Barrett (Robert), Gregory Vadnais (Leanne), Gina Vadnais (Angela Tsopelas) and their children who are his great and great-great nephews and niece.