Daniel T. Andrews, 77, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on March 24, 2026. Born on July 3, 1948, in Princeton, Indiana, he was the son of Alberta Taylor Andrews and the late Ted H. Andrews.
Raised in St. Francisville, Illinois, Dan was a proud graduate of Saint Francisville Community High School, where he played on the basketball team. He later earned his degree in electrical engineering from Southern Illinois University, pursuing a distinguished career in mining and material handling. Over the years, his expertise benefited teams at Sigeco, GE, and TMEIC.
In 2000, Dan married his beloved wife, Kelley. Together they built a life in Salem filled with his many passions: woodworking, gardening, tinkering with tractors, playing with trains, and flying kites. Beyond his hobbies, Dan was deeply committed to his community, serving as a volunteer EMT, a Red Cross volunteer, Volunteering for the Salvation Army, and as a mentor at the Oakland Intermediate School. If you ever asked Dan how he was doing, you were guaranteed a smile and his signature response: "Mean as ever, twice as ugly." He will fondly be remembered for his sharp wit and trademark sarcasm.
Dan is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kelley Andrews; his mother, Alberta Andrews; two brothers, David (Judy) Andrews and Curtis Andrews; three brother in laws, Scott (Holly) Dunning, John (Gayle) Dunning, and Ninh (Mia) Nguyen, his children, Donald (Misty) Andrews and Jennifer Andrews; three grandchildren, Megan (Logan) Dill, Allison (Jake) Kough, and Olivia Andrews; and one great-grandchild, Lucas Dill. Many nieces and nephews, and grand nephews. As well as many friends that have become family. Everyone was welcome at "Camp Andrews"!
A funeral service to celebrate Dan's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, 305 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153. This service will also be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the funeral home. A second funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Wabash Presbyterian Church, 11188 N. 2300 Blvd, Allendale, Illinois 62410 with internment to follow in the Orio Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 p.m. until the hour of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Daniel's memory to Brain Injury Solutions, 3904 Franklin Road, Suite B, Roanoke, VA 24014. Envelopes will be available at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Daniel Andrews family.
