Andrew Frederick "Andy" Drotleff, Jr

Andrew “Andy” Frederick Drotleff, Jr., went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 8, 2013. His loss was felt by family and friends, who will remember the DeFuniak Springs resident for his humor and charm as well as a man deeply connected to the waters he so avidly fished. Born July 18, 1936, to Andrew “Andy” Frederick Drotleff, Sr. and his wife Nora, of Cleveland, Ohio, Andy formed an early passion for the water, joining the swim team at Ohio University. In 1957, he enlisted with the United States Air Force and later served in the Air Force Reserves, retiring to Eglin Air Force Base, where he maintained and repaired aircraft with the Civil Service. During his military career, Andy faithfully served his country, beginning in Washington, D.C., as part of the Air Force One team and fulfilling duties that included air-sea rescue; photo mapping; mechanical work; and flight engineering. He was a recipient of the Airman’s Metal for Heroism. After assignments to West Palm Beach Air Force Base; Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile; Turner Air Force Base in Albany, Georgia; Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland; and Homestead Air Force Base, Andy retired from his military career at Eglin Air Force Base in 1971 and began his Civil Service career.

While his career initially brought him to the Gulf Coast, it was Andy’s deepening ties to the area and sharpening skills as a fisherman that kept him firmly in place, growing more and more in love with his newly adopted hometown with each passing year and each hour spent with his family casting lines into the emerald green waters. It was on those waters that Andy formed his truest connections, passing his fervency for fishing on to his children and grandchildren.

Andy is survived by his loving wife, Hazel Overstreet Drotleff; his daughter Denise Johnston (Don); son Andrew “Andy” Drotleff III; son David Drotleff (Kristin) and his first wife, Donna Drotleff. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Derek and Dylan Johnston; Andrew “Drew” Drotleff IV; and Justin, Alexandra, and Isaac Drotleff. He is survived by his stepdaughters, Renee Buchanan and Buck; Donna Brown and Ken; grandchildren Ron and Chris Buchanan; Cecily and Aaron Brown; great grandchildren Jonathon and Aiden Brown

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Andy Drotleff’s memory to Greater Vision Church, 910 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547 or to First Apostolic Church, 440 West Orange Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435 The Military Funeral Honors service, officiated by Reverend David King of First Apostolic Church of DeFuniak Springs, will take place on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at 10:15 a.m., Barrancas National Cemetery United States Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL.