David Lee Andes' Obituary
His life was devoted to God and family. David Lee Andes, 82, was born in Conneaut, Ohio, to Kyle and Jessie (Schmidt) Andes. He was gifted with the ability to conquer any machinery within arms’ reach. He built his first transmission when he was 12 and created tools he needed but did not yet exist.
David fell in love with his future wife, Sandy Smith, at a chance meeting at a small-town carnival. He was Smitten with her sparkling eyes, and they became inseparable. They were perennially joined, and their children dubbed them “Peas and carrots.”
David and Sandy had a son before welcoming their first anniversary, and they were later blessed with two daughters.
By day, Dave ran E & J Auto Glass in Ashtabula, Ohio, which his in-laws, Elliott and Jean Smith, started after World War II. By night, Dave and Sandy fixed homes and passed down any skills their children were patient enough to learn. In the 1980s, David was given tragic news. Macular degeneration, which had plagued him since birth, would steal the rest of his eyesight before he could see grandkids. As was his nature, he said, “So be it,” and went on with his life, never letting it known outside his family.
For him, life hurdles were temporary impediments he had yet to conquer. They were often met with a joke or a quip: “It’s a long day if you can’t laugh.” He maintained this philosophy even in his final days of life.
He preferred his workshop over social engagements. Tools and machinery were his extravagance. And cars and houses were his artistic clay.
As years passed, a Yuengling on a porch at night was enough to suffice. He long accepted disappointment in stride, especially when his Cleveland Browns either stumbled before making the playoffs or imploded in the postseason if they reached it.
He prayed for simple things—the health and well-being of his family and for strength. He also earned great respect from many in Ashtabula due to his hard work, honesty, devotion to Christianity, and compassion.
Eye issues remained challenging his whole life, but whether he was using contacts or thick glasses, they always seemed to be rose-colored. When Sandy died in 2018, he couldn’t understand why an obituary picture showed her with the beauty marks of the years gone by. Then it dawned on him.
She never aged in his eyes.
David is survived by three children: his son, Douglas (and Sherri Andes) of Columbus, OH, and daughters Tammy and Jodi Andes of Cleveland and Columbus, respectively; grandchildren, Aaron, Michael, Megan Andes, Joey Hugo, and David and Andy Nirode; step-grandchildren Lee Mendrala and Ashley (and Ryan) Hipps; and great-grandchildren, Austin and Palmer Andes.
Siblings also survive him: Gary (and Sandy) Andes, Roger (and Karen) Andes, and his sister Majorie Demerest. He was preceded in death by his beloved, Sandra J. Andes; parents, Kyle and Jessie Ande; and sister, Janet Thome.
He wanted no services and no fanfare. Just a private ceremony where their children would spread their ashes together.
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