FLORIAN, ANDREW M., JR.

WEST FRANKFORT – Andrew “Andy” Florian, 85, died at 9:21 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, surrounded by his loving children.

Andy was born Feb. 11, 1924, in Orient, to Andrew and Elizabeth (Pinson) Florian

He married Shirley Ann (Connolly) Florian on Dec. 26, 1953; she preceded him in death Jan. 1, 2008.

Andy retired from U.S. Postal Service and was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served in World War II in the Pacific as an Edson Raider.

He was a member of St. Mark Episcopal Church in West Frankfort, Moose Lodge local 795 in West Frankfort, ISHA as Southern Illinois Basketball Official for 53 years and American Legion Orient Post 1961.

Andy was a loving father and grandfather.

Surviving relatives include daughters, Rachel Stewart and Elaine (Dennis) Peterson of West Frankfort; sons, Steve (Elaine) Florian of West Frankfort, Matt (Wendy) Florian of Atlanta, Ga. and Ed (Jill) Florian of West Frankfort; grandchildren, Chris, Erin, Naythan, Amber, Andrea, Kyle, Kaci, Madison and Connor; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Talon, Landen, Piper and Kaitlyn; sister-in-law, Rosena Hogg of West Frankfort; brother-in-law, Joe (Patti) Herrron of Racine, Wisc.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Emma Grace; sisters, Mary Wilson, Rose Freeman and Elizabeth Rains; and brothers, John, Frank, and Bill Florian.

Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, in St. Mark Episcopal Church in West Frankfort, with the Rev. Jon Griffin officiating. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 1961, VFW Post 5764 West Frankfort and VFW of Zeigler. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Mark Episcopal Church in West Frankfort or to Southern Illinois Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the church and will be accepted by the funeral home.