Andrew “Andy” R. McGinnis, 88, of Warren, Ill. passed away at Presence St. Joseph’s Center in Freeport, Ill.  He was born on Feb. 2, 1929 to Bert and Mary (Wand) McGinnis in Gratiot Township.  Andy served his country in the United States Army as an Ammunition Specialist until his retirement.  He received many commendations and awards throughout his military career, which includes the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, three Oversea Service Ribbons, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.  Andy was a member of the Warren American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and the Veteran of Foreign Wars of Gratiot.  He was also a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gratiot.  Andy enjoyed visiting with his nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews, and collecting John Deere 2 cylinder tractors.
Andy is survived by his siblings, Arthur (Lorraine) McGinnis of St Augustine, Fla., Roseanne (Robert) Gerbick of Lena, Patricia Hintz of Warren, Tony Fox of Monroe; 37 nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant siblings, brothers, Francis (Barb), John (Eleanor), and Robert (Mary) McGinnis, and sisters, Rita (Edwin) Zimmerman and Delphine (Harold) Homb, brothers-in-law Robert Mau, Harold Fox, and Harry Hintz.
A mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gratiot. A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the church. Father Sudhakar Devarapu will officiate the services. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Gratiot.
A memorial has been established in his name, for the Warren American Legion.
And as Andy always said, “A pat on the back is good medicine,” and for all who knew Andy, “Don’t forget your lawn chair.”
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.