Marcus Christoper Andrews

Honoring and Remembering Marcus Christopher Andrews It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marcus Christopher Andrews on June 10th, 2025, at his family home in West Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 49. Marcus was born in Franklin, Indiana on September 13th, 1975, to Ann & Christopher Andrews. He grew up in the Vernon Hill area of Chicago during his elementary years, moved around throughout his middle through high school years and graduated high school in Williamston, Michigan in 1994. Marcus attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Political Science from the James Madison Honors College in 1998. After college Marcus worked briefly for Governor John Engler in Michigan before he relocated to Florida in 1999 (in chase of Charlene) and enrolled in the fire school, to pursue his dream profession. The couple bought their first home in Lake Worth, Florida in 2002. Marcus married his love, Charlene Ording, on October 11th, 2003, in a gorgeous Scottish themed wedding in the Michigan fall surrounded by beloved family and friends. Marcus finished paramedic school and the fire academy and was hired by the City of West Palm Beach in the class of February 2005 and became badge #620 for that department. Together Marcus and Char welcomed their son, Macullach (Mac) Christopher Andrews into the world on January 2nd, 2008. Many happy years were spent raising their son and exposing him to the wonders of Florida nature, zoos, theme parks and athletics such as Rugby and Football. Mac was known as Squad Baby by the firefighters of Station 4 and many holidays were spent at the fire station. When Mac was about four and a half years old, the boys began training Jujitsu together. Mac had a natural affinity for it, and Marcus found an outlet for his strength and energy. Marcus enjoyed his small farm full of chickens (his fat girls), canning & pickling with his wife, riding ATVs, kayaking, scuba diving and organizing travel for his family. During the beginning of COVID in 2020, Mac was in middle school, and the boys made the decision to transition to wrestling as there was no jujitsu available in high school athletics or college, so they joined the Wellington Wrestling Club. As Mac's skill and passion for wrestling grew, Marcus took up photography to document the achievements not only of his son but for Wellington Wrestling families and for so many friends amongst the South Florida wrestling community and beyond. Marcus became emersed in the wrestling scene and made many strong connections there. The entire Andrews family was on the road most every weekend, competing across the US and even abroad, to provide Mac as much exposure and opportunity as possible to further his passion for the sport and his desire to continue wrestling in his college career. Marcus was intensely proud of his son's academic and athletic achievements. Marcus served 17 years in the fire service, achieving the rank of Lieutenant and retired on December 21, 2021, due to a heart condition. During his career, Marcus obtained many special operations certifications and was part of the FEMA team. He received several awards and commendations for his exceptional acts of heroism in the line of duty. More important than the awards, were the people that he served alongside in the department. Marcus enjoyed the physicality of his job, tying rigging, using tools to break & cut vehicles apart, and of course putting out fires. But what he valued most was REALLY talking with people, for political discourse and debate, health news, or just catching up on their families, joys, struggles and opinions. Marcus also counseled and 'hyped up' many kids in the wrestling community and went out of his way to send photos to kids, even some he barely knew, that he saw potential and fire in to 'Feed the Gram' and keep them motivated. Marcus will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Charlene, his son Mac, his father Chris and his mother, Ann. Marcus had many dear friends and family ranging from Michigan to Florida, spanning from his early childhood to adulthood, in the wrestling and jujitsu communities and many brothers and sisters amongst the City of West Palm Beach Fire Department. Marcus was an exceptional individual, a devoted family man, and a dedicated servant to his community and country. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 29th beginning at 10 for the gathering and services beginning at 10:30 am at The Palms West Crematory & Funeral Home located at 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, Fl 33411. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request donations to be made to: The Wellington Wrestling Club – To benefit Mac's continuing wrestling career and that of his team. Checks can be made out to the Wellington Wrestling Club and sent to 76 Pacer Circle, Wellington, FL 33414 or by Zelle to Wellingtonwrestling@gmail.com Or to the Fraternal Order of Firefighters Inc (FOF) – For the FOF has been so supportive of Marcus's family during their time of great need. Donations can be made via Venmo: @FOFwpb, Zelle: wpbfof@gmail.com or at 561-875-4308. Marcus's passing was sudden and unexpected. He will be deeply missed but remembered for a lifetime of happiness, love and friendship that he brought to his family, friends and community. His legacy will live on through his son and wife, and through the lives that Marcus touched, the countless individuals that he trained and in the countless other lives that he saved. We will forever cherish his memory and mourn his absence in this beautiful life that he made.