Andrew “Andy” Bressler

Andrew Lon “Andy” Bressler was born on November 20, 1933. He was the son of Albert Lon and Thelma Neva (Brown) Bressler. He departed this life on July 5, 2024, at the age of 90 years.

Andy is the second of nine children. He attended 8 years of school at Munsell in a one-room school house, which required him and his siblings to walk to school every day. He later graduated from Eminence High School in 1952. In the fall of 1952, he headed to college at Southwest Baptist University. In 1954, Shannon Ennis paid Andy a visit at the family sawmill and asked him to start a job teaching at a two-room schoolhouse in Hartshorn.

While at Hartshorn, and later Vann, he taught grades 1-8. During the summer months, he went back to college to finish his teaching degree. In 1956, A n d y received his greetings from the President of the United States stating that he would soon be drafted into the A r m y. Andy served in the Army from 1956-1958 with most of his time being served in France. A f t e r returning home from the A r m y, Andy began his teaching and coaching career again which included teaching stints at Summersville and Winona, and he finished his 33 years of teaching in the Eminence school system. After retiring from teaching, Andy worked for 15 years at the State Tax Commission for the State of Missouri. He also served on various boards, committees, and worked many summers at Cross Country Trail Rides.

In the summer of 1959, Andy started dating Barbara Rose Chilton. He married the love of his life on September 2, 1961. T h e y Andrew “Andy” Bressler were married for 51 years and to this union 5 children were born.

As a young man, Andy gave his life to Christ and was a faithful member of The First Baptist Church of Eminence. He served in many roles over his 90 years at his church. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for over 60 years as well as many other positions in the church.

Andy was a pillar of the church, one of the first people who would greet you and welcome you into the Lord’s house. Much of his time was spent in prayer for the needs and health of others. Andy was a true and faithful prayer warrior.

Bluegrass music was always a passion in Andy’s life. He was in an organized bluegrass band with his brother Alvin for over 50 years and was a member of the Current River Opry for 45 years. He loved to pick, sing, and play anytime he got the chance. In 2012 and 2014, the Bressler Brothers won the Bluegrass Band of the Year through the SPBGMA Association. Some of Andy’s biggest accomplishments were watching his students become successful adults. Whether you knew him as a Teacher, Coach, Bus Driver, Deacon, Prayer Warrior, or Entertainer, you knew he was a man of God and he proved it in all things. He would always remind us “Remember who you are and where you came from”. He was also so very proud of his children who have all been followers of Christ and have raised their children in Christian homes. Andy is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Barbara; his brother Tom; his sister Freda; and many other cherished family members.

He is survived by his five children, Sheila (Hal) Andrews, Jeff (LuAnn) Bressler, Angie (Craig) McDonald, Michelle (Chris) Sanders andSarahBressler; his 12 grandchildren Heather, Hannah, Ashley, Brandon, Courtney, Emily, Matt, Gracie, Luke, Jacob, Sydney, Jeanson and their spouses; 5 precious great-grandchildren Andrew Jon, Wyatt, Cooper, Mae, and Henry; with more on the way.

One of Andy’s favorite scriptures was Ephesians 2:8; “For by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from you: it is a gift.” Andy wanted everyone in his path to know of the gift of salvation, that each one of us has been given.

Visitation was held from 5- 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the Eminence High School Gymnasium in Eminence, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Yarber Mortuary in Eminence, Missouri, with Bro. Alan Stringer officiating under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Eminence. Interment was at Munsell Cemetery in Eminence, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Youth Fund at PO Box 356, Eminence, Missouri, 65466. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com