Andrew Tripp

Andrew Tripp, 85, of Tulsa, Oklahoma made his journey to Heaven on January, 16 2025. He was born west of Wetumka, Oklahoma, to Ada and Don Tripp on March 21, 1939. Andrew met his wife, Charlotte Jolene Van Huss, in Clinton, Oklahoma, in August 1958. Driving down the road with his uncle, Andrew spotted Jolene while she was shopping for school supplies with her parents, Paul and Dode Van Huss. In true Andrew fashion, he was honking and waving before pulling up to ask her parents if he could take her on a date. They found out quickly that they were meant to be together forever. Andrew and Jolene married November 22, 1958, at the court house in Cordell, Oklahoma, surrounded by their parents and siblings. Andrew left the family farm to start his career after graduating from high school. He began his construction career working alongside his dad to help pour the runway at Clinton Sherman Air Force Base. He and Jolene moved to Tulsa in late 1959, where Andrew continued his construction career as a Crew Chief for Hunter Construction. Andrew poured light-weight concrete in many different states such as Georgia, Louisiana, Nebraska, Kansas and Tulsa. Jolene often traveled with one of the Hunter brother's wives to wherever Andrew was working, bringing their two children, Debbie and Robbie along. He was also fortunate to work alongside his younger brother David for many years during this time, forming a very strong bond. During the years he worked with Hunter Construction, they moved to Overland Park, Kansas for a short time before settling into their current home in Tulsa, in 1976. The Hunter brothers eventually closed down their business and he continued his career while working for Rafael Venezuela Construction until he retired at the age of 70. Andrew was always known for working harder than any two men, which was a testament to the love he had for Jolene, Debbie, Robbie, and his two grandchildren. He sacrificed and worked very hard to ensure that they had everything they needed to have a great life. It has been stated many times that Andrew was one of the hardest, strongest and most dedicated workers that many people had ever met. He was taught at an early age that he was not to stop until the job was done, and done right. Andrew took this to heart and did not leave it on the jobsite. You could see this lesson he learned throughout his life with his family and friends. He loved his parents and siblings very deeply, and anyone who met Andrew knew that Tripp family smile---a smile that would light up a room. Andrew had never met a stranger in his life and if he wasn't offering to lend them a hand, then he was being ornery and trying to get a rise out of them. Andrew had a personality that was impossible to forget. Andrew spent his free time building projects out of wood, such as, what was supposed to be his retirement barn in their backyard that quickly filled with things "he may use one day", or material for other projects. His grandkids, Joey and Blake were the light of his life and he cherished the moments that he could spend teaching them and sharing his wisdom. Whether it was driving between Atwoods stores or taking road trips to see his family, he loved to just drive around. And if you ever rode in his vehicle, you knew it was a Chevrolet with a Johnny Cash tape in the tape player. If you did happen to find Andrew not working or spending time with his family, then you'd be guaranteed to see him sitting in his chair watching Gunsmoke, or the next best western TV show with a cup of coffee in hand. He always did think the coffee tasted better if one of his sisters made it and brought it to him. Andrew enjoyed his retirement years with his wife and son Robbie, catching up on the time he missed out on while he was working. He found a lot of joy in being there for them and helping around the house. He settled nicely into his new title of the "grocery getter" after years of Jolene handling that chore. His love for his family never wavered and he found joy in the simple things-helping around the house, sharing a meal, sharing stories and just enjoying his time with his family. Andrew fought his illnesses with the same Tripp tenacity that defined his life, leaving doctors and nurses amazed by his strength and spirit. In his final days he spoke about how he had accepted God into his life as his Lord and Savior. He stated to his brothers Thurlow and David that he accepted God into his life on October 10, 2023. We can only imagine what it would be like to be in the presence of God, but we can all picture Andrew's big smile as he walked through those Pearly Gates. Andrew is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte Jolene Tripp; his children, Debbie Jean Bush and Robert Dean Tripp; his grandsons, Joey Waeger and Blake Waeger; and his brothers and sisters: Dorthy Carter, Thelma Vaughn, Thurlow Tripp, Alene Sexton, David Tripp, and Darlene Kupka. He is preceded in death by his siblings: Randy Tripp, Alice Pollard, Christene Player, Wilene Seminoeux, Daniel Tripp, and Eldon Tripp. Andrew Tripp will be forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten. We take comfort knowing he is now in the presence of God, reunited with loved ones who went before him, and watching over us with that unforgettable smile. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 21st from 12-8pm at Moore Southlawn. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, January 22nd at Moore Southlawn Funeral Home, 9350 E 51st St, Tulsa, OK 74145

Andrew Tripp

March 21, 1939 - January 16, 2025