Paul McAndrew

Paul Thomas McAndrew

Paul Thomas McAndrew, 84, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, exactly as he wanted, surrounded by his family and dear friends.

Paul was born on March 13, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of the late Norman (Mac) Mc Andrew and the late Betty McAndrew.

Paul attended college at Bowling Green University in Ohio where he met the love of his life, Linda. They married in 1968, beginning a marriage built on unwavering love, faith, and partnership. They both were teachers and moved to Maryland, where they both devoted their lives to education and to making a difference in the lives of young people.

Paul began his teaching career at Parkville Junior High School before moving to Middle River Middle School, where he taught Industrial Arts. Known for his patience, knowledge, and ability to inspire students to work with both their hands and their hearts, he remained there until his retirement in 2003. Even after retiring, Paul never truly stopped teaching—he was always willing to share his wisdom, lend a hand, or show someone how to fix just about anything. He often taught Sunday School at church and led groups with Awana as well.

Paul found great joy in working with his hands. Whether repairing something around the house, spending hours happily puttering in his garage, or caring for his beloved Mustang, affectionately named "Baby," he approached every task with skill, patience, and pride. Family and friends knew there was little Paul couldn't fix.

A man of deep and abiding Christian faith, Paul's love for Jesus Christ guided every decision he made and every person he encountered. He quietly lived out his faith through generosity, humility, honesty, hard work, and selfless service. He loved without expecting anything in return and gave freely with no strings attached. His gentle spirit and unwavering character left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all else, Paul treasured his family. Paul's favorite lines to tell his children and grandkids were "I love you MORE" and "Whatever it takes, as long as it takes." His words were always reflected in his actions.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Linda McAndrew; his daughters, Erinn Ragan and her husband, Michael, and Kari Schmidt and her husband, Joel. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Alex Schmidt and his wife Amber, Chloe Mathews and her husband Ben, Abraham Ragan, and Kennedy Ragan. He was delighted to be a new great-grandfather to Koa Schmidt. Each of them was a source of tremendous pride and joy in his life.

While his family grieves the tremendous void left by his passing, they do not grieve without hope. They find comfort in knowing that Paul is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and rejoice in the promise that one day they will be reunited with him in eternity. It is their prayer that they will continue Paul's legacy of loving Jesus, loving family, loving God's Word and loving others.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.