Donald Andrus

Donald Norman Andrus

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on January 23, 2022.  He was born November 20, 1947 in Salt Lake City, UT, to Lawrence E. and Henrietta (Veatch) Andrus.  He married Evelyn Benson on January 12, 1968. They were later divorced.

After serving in the U.S. Navy 1968-1970 on active duty, he stayed in the Navy reserves, later transferring to the Air Force reserves.  He worked as a civilian at Hill AFB for 42 years, first as an airplane mechanic; then in safety.  He spent over 4 years as Deputy Chief of Safety at Yokota AFB, Japan, July 1993-October 1997. He retired on December 31, 2011.

He married Jolene (Green) Cain on January 1, 1994, and they have shared 28 years together.  They enjoyed exploring Japan, traveling, spending winters in Lake Havasu, AZ, going to car shows, spending time with family and friends, and when COVID hit, long Sunday drives with Don behind the wheel of his Camero SS.

In Aug of 2012, and being close to death from interstitial lung disease, due to extensive exposure to asbestos while serving in the Navy, he was given a “miracle”.  After being on the lung transplant list for over a year, a donor gave him the gift of continued life—a new set of lungs.  With the Lord’s guidance and the outstanding University of Utah Lung Transplant team, Dr. Barbara Cahill and Dr. Raman, Don was given an extra 9 plus years.  Don faced the challenges placed before him with determination and thankfulness of transplant programs.  We wish to extend our appreciation to the University of Utah doctors and nurses, to donors who care, the Salt Lake City VA, and the last week to Canyon Hospice.  Don’s illnesses brought us closer together, as his daughter and others of her family have lived with us to help with his care.

Don is survived by his wife, Jolene, children Shawn E. (Emily) Andrus, Charles D. Andrus, and Donell (Cory) Arrington; stepchildren Shawn A. (Kora) Cain, Darin L. Cain, and Michelle (Anthony) Keller, siblings; Charles F. Andrus, John (Lorilyn) Andrus, and Susan Chilberg.  Preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Ronald Andrus, Louise Lewis (Andrus), and stepsiblings Marvin L. Andrus, Byron G. Andrus, and Lawrence F. Andrus.

Due to COVID concerns, there will be a graveside service for family and friends with military honors on Monday, Jan 31, 2022, 12:00 P.M., at the Morgan South Cemetery, 335 South State Street, Morgan, UT.  If you plan on attending, please wear masks and dress warmly.

Services entrusted  to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to: “Transplant Buddy Fund” in memory of Donald Andrus.  There are several ways that people can donate to this fund.

On the University of Utah Giving website: https://ugive.app.utah.edu/designation/345?specialInstructions=Transplant%20Buddy%20Fund%20(HSC11160-40165)&utm_source=vanity   (Note Transplant Buddy Fund in the Special Instructions Box)

Payments can be made by telephone by calling 800-716-0377 (Person should tell them that the donation is for the Transplant Buddy Fund)

Mailing a check/money order to:

U of U Transplant Department

50 N. Medical Dr. E2400

Attn: Transplant Buddy

SLC, UT 84132