Andrew E. "Cotton" Redkey passed from this physical life to an unending life with the Lord Jesus Christ on November 28, 2008 in Silsbee, Texas as a result of his trust and faith in the Lord. Born on September 20, 1921 in Giddings, Texas he was 87. His parents were Andrew E., Sr. and Lydia Peters Redkey and he was an only child. When he was only six years of age his father died suddenly and several years later Henry Stroebel would become his step-father as he married Lydia and they became a new family continuing to reside in Giddings.
On August 20, 1947 Andrew married Irene Meyer and they were happily married for more than 61 years. In that same year of 1947, in the month of December, they moved to Silsbee, Texas where they have lived for these many years. He was a devoted husband and father and always desired the best for his family. "Cotton" and Irene were blessed with two children, Linda and Jerry, along with four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
After serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Army during World War 1I, "Cotton" began working for the Texas Highway Department after his honorable discharge from the military. He retired from the Texas Highway Department with more than 30 years of service in 1976. After retirement he worked for Garrod, Dartez, Carroll and Blackmon Engineering Firm in Beaumont, Texas. It was through this connection while serving as the inspector for the Hardin County Airport expansion that he became interested in service on the county level. He served as Precinct 1 Commissioner for Hardin County from 1982 until 1988 where he fulfilled his role with honesty and integrity and a commitment to serve the people of his county.
"Cotton" was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Silsbee for many years. It was here that he would bring up his family to love and serve the Lord. He served in various roles in the church including usher/greeter, treasurer, a member of the administrative board, and working with the Methodist Men until his health prevented him to continue.
In the 1950's and 60's "Cotton" also was involved with the Silsbee Little League and served in several capacities while also tirelessly serving as an umpire. He had a love for athletics and was supportive of all the Silsbee sports and band programs.
"Cotton" is survived by his wife, Irene; daughter, Linda. Hoskins and her husband Neil of Niceville, Florida; Rev. Jerry Redkey and his wife Beverly of Buna, Texas; four grandchildren: Joel Hoskins and his wife Jaclyn of Crestview, Florida; Lauren Redkey Hicks and her husband Derek of Buna, Texas; Jennifer Hoskins of Niceville, Florida; and Randy Redkey of Buna, Texas; and one great grandchild, Clayton Hoskins. Being an only child he is also survived by many beloved cousins and in-law family members along with many friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Howard Redkey, Randy Redkey, Joel Hoskins, Derck Hicks, Rodney Meyer, and Charles Becker.
A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, December 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Farmers Funeral Home in Silsbee. The memorial service will be Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Silsbee. Conducting the memorial service will be Dr. Dan Darby, Rev. R.E. Jonte', and Rev. Jerry Redkey. Burial will be at R. S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery in Silsbee.
Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church of Silsbee Building project or to East Texas Baptist Encampment, 338 PR 7005 Newton, Texas, 75966.
