Andy Clinton Lemler of Glen Carbon, Ill., went to be at peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 21, 2014 at 5:40 p.m. Andy was 85, born April 28, 1929, in Schulter, Okla., to Admiral Dewey Lemler and Hazel Clinton (Lemler) Caffery.

After spending his pre-school years in Oklahoma, Andy's family moved to Caseyville, Ill., where he graduated from Collinsville Township High School in 1948. Andy earned an associate degree in Heating and Air Conditioning. He was employed as a quality inspector from 1954 until the plant closed in the early 1980's. He then worked as director of maintenance for the former Notre Dame Nursing Home in Belleville, Ill. for seven years, then part-time for the city of Maryville, Ill. for 2 years.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, two brother's-in-law, Millard Dowler of Tulsa Okla. and James Surber, Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo. Also preceding him were several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Surviving him are his wife of 64 years, Jessie A. (Surber) Lemler; his four children, Gary D. Lemler (LaVonne), Michael A. Lemler, Vicki L. Lemler, and Kim A. (Jeffery) Jones. Also he leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Jason Lemler, Chris Lemler, Tracy Lemler, Ashley Lemler and Zac (Kristin) Jones; and one great-grandson Jordon Staley. He is also survived by his sister JoAnn Dowler of Aurora, Colorado.

Andy loved his family. He delighted in taking the grandchildren fishing and sharing vacations with his children and grandchildren.

Andy was a member and actively involved in St. Matthew United Methodist Church of Belleville, Ill. for 16 years and previously a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church of Maryville, Ill. for 34 years. Andy loved his Lord and quietly and humbly served Him by using his maintenance talents serving others. Andy and his wife spent several weeks each summer volunteering in the mission arm of the United Methodist Church on the Navajo Native American Reservation in Bisti, New Mexico, the Cherokee Native American Reservation in Talequah, Oklahoma and the Little Grassy United Methodist Camp in Makanda, Illinois. Andy also was a volunteer for Anderson Hospital Auxilliary in Maryville, Ill.

After retirement Andy and his wife lived at the Little Grassy United Methodist Camp for six years volunteering to do any and everything necessary to keep the camp running and updating the facilities to make the camp clean, pleasant and a beautiful place to worship and learn about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Andy's honor to "Missions" of St. Matthew United Methodist Church - 1200 Moreland Drive, Belleville, Ill. or Celtic Hospice, 205 Oakland Ave., Carlinville, Ill.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church.

Services at 5 p.m. with Rev. James Slone and Rev. Larry Patton officiating. Food and fellowship to follow. At Andy's request, his body has been donated to Washington University Research Dept.

Arrangements through Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.