Carl L. Andrus

WHEELER - Carl L. Andrus, 84, of Wheeler, passed away Feb. 28.

He was born in Canisteo, one of five siblings of Robert and Florence (Moore) Andrus. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Margaret Dennis and Vaudine Snell, and one brother Robert.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty one years, Mary (Mleczko), his sister Betty Weston of Vestal, and six children; Lawrence (Beverly) Andrus of Mitchellesville, Bonnie (Randy) Howell of Dundee, Thomas (Karen) Andrus of Wheeler, Deborah (Raymond) Biddle of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Randolph Andrus of Melbourne, Florida, and Jeffrey Andrus of Bath; eight grandchildren, Kevin, Becky, Jennifer, Jonathan, Stefanie, Michael, Graham and Jade as well as five great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Carl enlisted in the army at 18 and was very proud to have been a member of the First Division "The Big Red One" for six years. A combat infantryman he took part in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily and Normandy on D-Day. He received several medals among them the Bronze Star for valor, Purple Heart and six battle stars. He was wounded by shrapnel in November 1944 and spent two years in military hospitals. Employed by the Veterans Medical Center of Bath for most of his life he retired in 1975. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his outgoing personality. He and his wife enjoyed dancing and were avid travelers. A highlight of his retirement was delivering Meals on Wheels. In 2002 a life time dream was fulfilled when he received his high school diploma from his Alma Mater Canisteo Central School through a special act of the New York State Congress,

A Memorial Service was held Friday, March 2 at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. A spring burial will be held at the Bath National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Bath Meals on Wheels c/o Pro-Action of Bath. Fagan's Funeral Home in care of arrangements.