Andrew Joseph Stoops, 85, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014.
He was born Jan. 3, 1929, in Summersville, son of Elgin Stoops and Mabel Garner Stoops. He married Josephine M. Stoops.
He served as the president of Soil Conservation District of Texas County and Assessor of the Date Township for four years. He served 24 combined years on school boards at Summersville and Stallman. He was on the Community Bank NA bank board for 29 years and was a founding member of the Pinecrest Sportsman Club.
He started Army basic training in Fort Knox, Ky., then he was transferred to Alaska, where he earned the rank of corporal. He earned his discharge while serving in New York. Among the medals he received was the M1 Rifle Marksman award.
He worked in the timber industry for more than 60 years, working alongside his sons, grandsons and great-grandson. He was also the co-owner of Houston Wood Treating Plant. When not in the woods, he was working on the family farm, where he and his wife, Jo, raised Hereford cattle.
He loved to fish and hunt. He enjoyed telling stories and especially enjoyed his grandkids and great-grandkids. Playing the guitar and harmonica for family members and listening to country music was one of the many things he enjoyed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ervin; a sister, Illene; and a daughter, Andrea Faye.
Survivors include his wife, Jo of the home; three sons, Roger Stoops, Ronald Stoops and Rockle Stoops of Summersville; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
Services were Friday, Oct. 31, at Bradford Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Steelman officiating. Burail was in Bethel Cemetery.
Online condolences maybe left at bradfordfuneralhome.net.