Andrew Woods, 89
Oct. 30, 1921 — Sept. 13, 2011

Andrew Frank Woods, 89, of Cassopolis, died Sept. 13, 2011 at his residence.

He was born Oct. 30, 1921 to Robert and Imo (Krieghbaum) Woods. He married Marion L. Gard in Natchez, Miss. on Oct. 19, 1974.
Frank was born in Calvin Township, where he lived his entire life. Known as “Andy” to his Army comrades, he served in a tank crew in the European Theater of World War II, returned to a wormwood farming business on Brownsville Road, and in 1948 purchased his own farm on Calvin Center Road, which he farmed until entering the banking business in 1960. He served as President of the First National Bank of Cassopolis until 1978, when he returned to his first love of farming. Following his second retirement from farming, he turned a woodworking hobby into a full time cabinet-making enterprise, from which he only donated his many handcrafted products to family, friends and charitable organizations. Frank also set aside time for early morning trips to the Council on Aging to solve the world’s problems through lively discussion with other senior members of our local “United Nations.” He traveled the world throughout his life, making numerous friends as he did so in Natchez, Miss., Savannah, Ga. as well as Germany, France and Sweden.
Frank built his family home by hand in 1950, and passed away peacefully under the same roof Sept. 13.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Jean (Owen) Gordon and Ruth Berry.
Frank is survived by his wife, Marion L. (Watson) Woods of Cassopolis; one daughter, Karen W. Current of Cassopolis; one son, Jeff A. Woods of Lexington, Kentucky; one stepdaughter, Mary K. (Charles) Vanderbosch of Cassopolis; six stepsons, Kenneth E. (Toni) Gard of Jones, Stephen W. (Cindy) Gard of Adamsville, George Scott Gard of Dowagiac, Thomas H. (Janice) Gard of Cassopolis, Robert W. Gard of Union and Dennis A. (Virginia) Gard of Edwardsburg; 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Family and friends gathered Friday, Sept. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis.
Services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, officiated by the Rev. James A. Ritchie.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Cass County Council on Aging, P.O. Box 5, Cassopolis, MI 49031.
He loved life and his family. He served his country and his community. He was born a farmer, became a banker and in retirement, a woodworker. More important to Frank, he was a husband, a father and a grandfather.
Making every day count mattered to him. He felt sincere gratitude for having survived the horrors of World War II and made a commitment when he returned to live a full life in honor of those who didn’t make it home. A promise fulfilled.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.
Online condolences may be posted at wagnercares.com.