William Emerson Andrews

    William “Bill” Emerson Andrews, a resident of St. Johns for 55 years, passed away peacefully, at Grace Haven Assisted Living, on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the age of 86.
    Per Bill’s wishes cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. He was a Valentine’s Day baby, born February 14, 1939, in Midland Michigan, the son of Asa and Florence (Thomson) Andrews. Bill grew up in the Mid-Michigan area and graduated from Weidman High School, with the class of 1957. He always joked he was 3rd in his class but there were only 21 graduates that year. After high school, he attended Central Michigan University. In 1957, he met his future wife, Carol Wilson, at a local dance, and they married on August 21, 1959. They were blessed with 66 happy years together. 
     Bill received an associate degree in data processing from LCC in 1970, and worked for General Motors as a systems analyst for 33 years. Bill and Carol loved traveling in their retirement years. Bill had many hobbies. He played the Dobro guitar and sang at jams, with groups in Texas and at the Mint City Jams. He loved playing and singing at the contemporary service at St. Johns Lutheran Church.
     Bill and family also enjoyed over 50 years of wonderful summer memories at Southshore Campground at Crystal Lake Michigan. He made many trips around the lake, in his speedboat, pulling family members who were learning to ski. In retirement, he also restored a Farmall Cub Tractor and was a member of the Buckley Old Engine Club for years.
    Bill loved his family, and will be missed by his wife Carol, his daughter Jill (Everett) Thornton, and his son Mark; his grandchildren: Alex, Nichole (Patrick) Miller, and Janel (Kyle) Acosta; his great-grandchildren: Dominic, Maricella, Vayda, and Genevieve. He is also survived by his sister Joan (Louis) Baker and many loving extended family members. He was preceded in death, by his son, Jeff and his daughter Susan, his parents, Asa and Florence Andrews. 
     Memorials may be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church, 511 East Sturgis Street, St. Johns, MI 48879 or Special Olympics Area 28, 10100 Williams Road DeWitt, MI 48820. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.