Andrew Thames Jr.

Andy Thames was born April 8, 1933 in Lake Providence, LA to Andrew Thames, Sr. and Eunice Minor Thames. He went to his heavenly home on June 17, 2013. He lived in Oak Grove, LA. in his formative years until he joined the US Army in April 1953. He attained the rank of Sargeant and worked with the Nike Defense Program- maintaining the Nike guns for Homeland Security. He was stationed in Alaska for 3 and a half years and transferred to Chicago, IL where he maintained the Nike Program on the shore of Lake Michigan downtown until he was discharge on October 31, 1957. He met and married Florence (Flo) Zdziarski the love of his life on November 16, 1957. As they started their lives together, they became the proud parents of three children: Sandra Childers Dunlap (Kurt), John Thames (Jana), Jerry Thames (Gracie). In August 1982, they moved from Chicago to Midland, TX where they lived until the current time. Andy was employed by Rogers Ford and later was employed by Fedex where he was in charge of the maintenance of their fleet of trucks. He retired from Fedex in 1998. In raising his family in Chicago, he was very involved in their activities. His children were in the Scouting programs. He was a Cub Scout master and also took part in his daughters scouting activities, serving as adult chaperone and driver. The family enjoyed many camping and fishing trips in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. After moving to Texas Andy joined the Silver Bullet Bass Club and enjoyed going to monthly fishing trips with the club. He served as an officer for the club for many years and was the proud receipent of the Big Bass of the Year (10.72lbs.) for the year of 1999. He was the doting grandfather of 8 grandchildren: Mary Thames Norris (James), Melissa Thames Gann (Kevin), Janice Childers, Drew Childers, Casey Carrasco (Cindy), Kyla Thames, Stephanie Thames and Chani Childers Duke (Ryan) and two great grandchildren: Ryder Gann and Landon Carrasco. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Andrew and Eunice Thames, brothers James Thames, JW and Vernice Thames. He is survived by sister Rosa Grant and multiple brothers: Willie Thames (Mary), Robert Thames (Christina), Bobby Thames (Twyla) and David Thames (Marijoe). He was also survived by his sisters-in-law: Fran Citterman (Mundelin, IL), Jean Zdziarski (Racine, WI), Joyce Thames (Oak Grove, LA). Also, numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at American Heritage, 4100 N. FM 1788, Midland, TX 79711, on Wednesday, June 19 from 5pm to 9pm. Funeral mass will be June 20, 10am at San Miguel Arcangel Church 1100 Camp St. 79701. Will be followed by the Military acknowledgments of service at American Heritage Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, you may do memorials to Helping Hands 131 Brinson, Midland, Tx 79703 or the San Miguel Building Fund or a charity of your choice.

Tributes

Andrew Thames Jr.

April 8, 1933 - June 17, 2013