Andrew Deskins

Andrew P. Deskins, age 88 of Caledonia, passed away on Sunday morning April 1st, 2012 at home. He was born May 06th, 1923 in Marvin, Virginia as the son of the late Jacob and Elizabeth (Matney) Deskins. Andrew is was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II having served with an anti-aircraft battery in the D-Day Invasion of Europe. He was also a survivor of a ship sinking as a result of a submarine torpedo attack from which action he received the Purple Heart. Before entering the army Andrew had been trained as a welder and worked in the shipyards in Baltimore. After his military service he was trained as an electrical technician allowed him to find employment with Whirlpool Corporation in the maintenance division for 33 years. At home he enjoyed growing vegetables and fruit trees.. He had a reputation as a good artist and a folklore story teller. In 1945 he married his wife of 66 years, the former Gertrude Van Dyke. She survives him at home. He is also survived by his sons Bradley Deskins of Martel and Robert Deskins of Michigan. Two Grandchildren, Jarrod and Mary Deskins. And his only surviving brother Vernon Deskins of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by 8 brothers and 1 sister. Funeral Services will be held for Andrew on Thursday April 5th, 2012 at 11:00 at the Timson Allen & Melroy Funeral Home in Caledonia. Interment will follow in Caledonia Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Marion County Veterans Council. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6 until 8. Memorial Contributions may be made to the World Challenge Feed the Children's Fund.