General | 11/4/2026 4:30:00 PM

Oberlin, Ohio - The Oberlin College community and the Oberlin College Athletics community are mourning the passing of George Andrews Jr., a fifth-generation Oberlin graduate and lifelong fan of the Crimson and Gold. 

George passed peacefully on October 12, 2026, at the age of 94. By his side was Marlene, his wife of nearly 71 years.

"Some people support an institution, and then there are people who become part of its identity and story. George Andrews was one of those people." Delta Lodge Director of Athletics, Natalie Winkelfoos, recalled, "Often seen in his vintage Oberlin varsity jacket, George's commitment to Oberlin Athletics reflected a deep belief in the College, its scholar-athletes, and the community he loved. His loyalty to the Crimson and Gold was legendary, matched only by his devotion to his family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marlene and the entire Andrews family, with gratitude for all George gave to Oberlin."

A member of the John W. Heisman Club, George was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2022 for his deep loyalty and intrinsic devotion to Oberlin. "Oberlin is one of those special places that envelops you fully - as a student, and as an alumni." Heisman Club President Jordan Jancosek said, "George Andrews was an incredible example of that. His commitment to the institution and Oberlin Athletics was bold, prideful, and constant. 

George dedicated his time, talents, and wisdom to Oberlin in every moment of his life. A fifth-generation Oberlin grad, the Crimson and Gold were far more than a household name throughout his childhood. George's great-great-grandmother, Delia Fenn Andrews was among the first class of women to graduate from Oberlin College in 1841. 

Enrolling at Oberlin in 1950, George was a member of the football team all four years, before returning to the College as a mathematics professor from 1962-1997. During his tenure, he remained committed to Athletics, serving as the NCAA Faculty Representative, and played an integral role in the formation of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) in 1985. The NCAC was the first conference to give equal emphasis to men's and women's athletics, and George was a passionate advocate for this progressive shift. 

Beyond his institutional roles, George attended every home football game and served as the play-by-play announcer. He also volunteered as a timer for numerous track & field and swim & dive meets, including the 1977 and 1981 NCAA DIII Swim & Dive Championships hosted at Robert Carr Pool. Through 2002-2003, George also served as the Interim Director of Athletics.

Recalling childhood memories of watching his father time races at swim meets and joining him for game days, Erik Andrews said, "It was a joy when the new Carr pool opened and there was more space and better viewing. A double-bonus was that the swim team and the basketball team now played in the same building, and we could go between them on the occasion that both teams were 'home' on a winter weekend." 

Erik added, "The Williams Ice Arena was where dad laced and tightened my skates countless times as I fell in love with skating and later ice hockey, which continued through my college years."

In 2005, George received The Alumni Medal, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Oberlin Alumni Association. George was inducted into the Heisman Club Hall of Honor in 2022 for his lifelong dedication, commitment, and passion for the Crimson and Gold. His children and grandchildren have carried the Oberlin tradition as well, attending the College and expanding the Obie lineage to a seventh generation. Four of George's grandchildren competed as scholar-athletes at Oberlin, playing on the soccer, basketball, lacrosse, football, track & field, and swim & dive teams.

"He retained and used North Coast Athletic Conference and Ohio Athletic Conference lifetime passes to the end," said his son Geoff Andrews, "He rooted for Oberlin in every stadium and arena he set foot in."

A Celebration of George's Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Dicken, Dovin & Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, Elyria. For online condolences, visit dickenfuneralhome.com. Read George's full obituary here.