Wesley Andrews

Funeral services for Wesley Andrews were held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD, with Mike Horned Eagle officiating.

Casket bearers were Todd Charging Hawk, Todd Chasing Hawk, Barron Andrews, Brandon Andrews, Larry Charging Hawk, Shaun Pickner, Trevor Andrews, and Byron Andrews, Jr. Honorary casket bearers were Val Chasing Hawk, Cullen Davis, Byron Andrews, Sr., Dean Chasing Hawk, Burlap Bev Chasing Hawk, Shad Pickner, Kendall McCarthy, John Peck, Jimmy Chlukman, Bill Fernau, Lonny Fernau, Dave Colberg, Robin Weddell, Tony Vogt, Loren LaPointe, Nate Joseph, Roy Vasser, Ken Ubokudom, Anton Jenson, and all of his softball friends and family.

Interment was in the Ponca Creek UCC Cemetery in St. Charles, SD. Clausen Funeral Home of Burke, SD, was in charge of arrangements.

Wesley Gaylord Andrews was born on November 29, 1968, in Wagner, SD, to Caroline Andrews.

Wesley spent his childhood around Bonesteel and Milks Camp. He spent his childhood with his mom, and aunt Donna Bearer. Wesley became close to all families in the community.

Wesley attended Milks Camp Head Start. He attended grade school first through eighth grade and high school at Bonesteel Public School. He graduated from BHS in May 1988. He also attended some college in Mitchell, SD. Wes worked for Divines in Bonesteel for 25 years. He also worked for AJ for three years. At the time of his passing, Wes was employed by SWA Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Wesley’s favorite part-time activity was playing softball. He played 25 years with the Mad Dogs, and after his cousin Kevin Andrews passed, he started his team “Vegas Boys” in honor of Kevin. He was always proud of his boys, win or lose. During his time playing with Mad Dogs he became hunka (adopted) brothers with the Chasing Hawk boys – Glen, Speedy, Lil Todd and Dean, and Sister Bev.

In the summer of 2010, his heart health became an issue. He was referred to Rochester for further testing. His uncles Jesse and Wes made numerous trips to Rochester.

In 1993, Wes met Tiffany Ferneau and to this relationship two children were born, Lonna Mae and Owen Joshua. In 2005, he met Jill Shipman to this relationship three children were born, Hayden, Cayson, and Noah (deceased as infant).

In 2015, he met his fiancé, Drew Harrold, and accepted her son, Elijah, as his own.

Wes passed away at the Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, on December 11, 2022.

Wes is survived by his fiancé Drew Harrold and her son, Elijah; his children: Lonna Mae (Joe), Owen, Hayden, and Cayson; grandchildren, Lonny Andrews and Evelyn Young; siblings, Severt Young Beare Jr, Melvin Young Beare, Mary and Ursula Ulrich; special cousins, Juanita Beare, Bernadette Stars, Leonard Beare; aunts, Rita Carlson, and Winifred Andres; and uncle Jesse Andrews Jr.

He was preceded in death by his mother Caroline Andrews; father Severt Young Beare Sr.; son Noah Andrews; grandparents, Jesse Sr.and Mercy Stone Arrow Andrews; aunts Donna Beare, Margaret Williams, Josephine LaPointe, and Joyce Andrews; uncles, Hampton, Stanford, Conrad, Ronald; and Marvin, Dana, Wilfred; sisters, Lena Cheryl Young Beare; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends on his softball team, and those he played against.