In Derry, Louisiana, on a small tenant farm tended by his parents, Tony and Zarada, Andrew Moran was born in a modest house situated in a cotton field. Andrew spent his early years assisting his parents with the tasks associated with rural life: caring for livestock, hogs and chickens; and picking cotton, digging potatoes and pulling corn. He later drove a light truck on the Magnolia plantation where his father worked as a cowboy. When he wasn’t working on the farm, he attended primary school in Cloutierville, a few miles from his home.

Shortly after his 19th birthday, Andrew joined the United States Army. His tour of service was spent as a Sergeant Tech 4 (medical technician), 1692nd Engineer Combat Battalion in the Allied Military Occupation of Japan following World War II. It was an experience he often spoke of with great enthusiasm, joy, and pride.

After his discharge from military service, Andrew returned home and worked as an auto mechanic at Roque’s Garage in Melrose. Outside of work, he was known for his swagger, sometimes boisterous behavior, sharp dressing, and his “way with the ladies”. He eventually was spellbound by and fell in love with a pretty girl who lived across the road from his job, Claudia Llorens. Their courtship led to marriage and very soon to parenthood. After living on Cane River for a couple of years Andrew and Claudia moved to Houston, Texas with their two small sons to seek better employment opportunities. Andrew began working at Southern Pacific Railroad and in time purchased a home as the family continued to grow. He eventually settled into a long career at Anheuser-Busch, which brought him much satisfaction until his retirement.

Andrew and Claudia were model parents who loved and supported each of their children Andy, Joey, Denise, Kathy, and Claire, without condition or preference, from their infancy to adulthood. Together with Claudia, he was an unselfish Christian servant to his extended family, friends, church and community. Andrew’s devotion to Claudia throughout their 68 years of marriage was unwavering. When she was stricken with Alzheimer’s Disease in her final years, his patience and care for her was without fail.

His fatherly love extended beyond his own children to nieces, nephews, in-laws, and neighbors alike. Many often told him he waslike a father to them. He loved all of his grandchildren and their children equally and was proud of each of them for their accomplishments. He made it a priority to be physically present when he could for milestones in their lives, careers and vocations, and supported them with encouragement when he could not. Andrew was humble, never boastful, of his nor his progeny’s achievements. He was also there for his family in times of strife and difficulty. While he could be a stern disciplinarian, he was also recognized for his tenderness, wit and sense of humor. His children and grandchildren continue to find amusement in the countless one-liners he delivered over the years, even on his deathbed.

Andrew, Bae, Daddy, Papa Drew, Uncle Andrew, Uncle Mo, Mr. Moran, whatever he was called by those who knew and loved him, showed his love not always through words but through deeds and through his down-to-earth, sweet spirit.

Andrew Moran departed this life on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 Funeral mass were held on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 at 11:30 am at St. Mary of the Purification Church 3006 Rosedale St. Houston, Texas 77004 Burial 2:00 pm Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77038.