COL Andrew Jackson McVeigh III

Andrew’s life really began more than 65 years ago at the University of Houston. There, in the spring semester of 1959 New Testament Bible studies class, he was utterly enchanted by a young woman, a 19-year old girl really. So smitten was Andrew, that he secretly knocked the woman’s umbrella to the floor in order to meet young Miss Ervalyn Thomson. They fell in love, were married later that same year, and the rest…is in the history below.

Andrew Jackson McVeigh III was born on August 5th, 1933 in Houston to Alice Inez (Wernli) McVeigh and Andrew Jackson McVeigh Jr. Andrew grew up in Houston, first living in The Heights and later moving to 6714 Bradford Street shortly before the outbreak of World War II. While his dad was off serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during the war, Andrew’s mom held everything together for him and his younger brother John. While in high school, Andrew was active in the Boy Scouts, earning the coveted Senior Air Scout Medal (equivalent to Eagle Scout for other scouts). Andrew graduated from Milby High School in 1951, and entered the University of Houston to study medicine. Lack of funds forced Andrew to enlist in the U.S. Army where he was a medic in the 11th Airborne Division; he was later selected for officer candidate school at Fort Sill, OK receiving his commission as a lieutenant of field artillery in May, 1956. After a tour in Korea and a cadre assignment back at Fort Sill OCS, Andrew left the Army and returned to Houston to obtain his college degree and find a wife.

Andrew and Ervalyn were married on June 3rd, 1959 and just three months later on September 1st, 1959 he reentered the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. Multiple Army postings, including unaccompanied assignments, followed for Andrew and Ervalyn over the next 27 years including: battery and brigade command (17th FA BDE) assignments in Germany, company command at Fort Jackson, SC, Battalion Operations officer (1/21st FA BN) Republic of Vietnam, a second Korea tour, battalion command (1/21st FA BN) and 1st Cavalry Division Inspector General at Fort Hood, TX, as well as many others. In total, Andrew spent over 30 years in active service with over nine years overseas. His notable military decorations include: Legion of Merit (w/OLC), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (w/2OLC), Air Medal (3 + 1 for Heroism), Army Commendation Medal (w/3OLC + V for Valor), Army Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/ 2 Campaign Stars), Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/1960- device), German Silver Cross of Honor, Senior Parachutist Badge, German Parachute Badge, and the Army Staff Badge. Achieving the grade of rank of Colonel, Andrew and Ervalyn retired to the Austin area in July 1986.

Upon retirement, Andrew did not just stop working. By 1990, he had completed building his house, acting as the general contractor for concrete placement, carpentry work, and the like, as well as personally executing the initial property survey and completing the plumbing and electrical work. Although Andrew had remained active in Scouting while his son Andrew was a Boy Scout, he became active again in the Capital Area Boy Scout Council after retirement as well. His scouting awards are too numerous to list; however noteworthy awards are: Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, Explorer Silver Knot, and the three bead Wood Badges (earned at Philmont Scout Ranch). Andrew also participated in the 2011 World Scout Jamboree in Sweden with his son and grandson Andrew as well as the 2013 National Scout Jamboree with his grandsons Andrew and Iain.

Andrew’s most passionate activity was his participation in the Masons. Andrew was raised as a Master Mason in June 1963 in Lodge #822 in Stuttgart, Germany as a courtesy for Lodge 1172 in Houston, TX, which he joined prior to being assigned overseas. After retiring, Andrew joined Parson’s Lodge 222 in Austin, TX where he was master of the lodge. Andrew joined the National Sojourners (an organization consisting of Masons who are current or former military) in 1975 at Fort Hood, TX. He was active in the Sojourners over the next 49 years, serving as the National President from 2005-2006. Andrew’s achievements in Free Masonry over more than 60 years are far too numerous, but some of his honors include achieving the rank of 33o Mason, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas, and the Texas Lodge of Research.

Andrew is survived by his wife Ervalyn of nearly 65 years, their son Andrew J. McVeigh IV and his wife Sherri, their grandson Andrew J. McVeigh V and his wife Victoria, and their grandson Iain T. McVeigh. Andrew is also survived by his brother John David McVeigh Sr. and his wife Darla.

Andrew is preceded in death by his father Andrew J. McVeigh Jr. and his mother Alice Inez (Wernli) McVeigh.

A graveside for Andrew will be held Monday, June 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, Texas 76542. Following the graveside will be a memorial service at 2:30 PM at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Blvd, Austin, TX 78703.

Flowers to be delivered to Tarrytown United Methodist Church.