Andrew Margrabe

Andrew Robert Margrabe, 48, of Wood River, Illinois, formerly of Jackson, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, while visiting his parents in Jackson.

Andrew was born Nov. 27, 1974, in Cape Girardeau to Freddie Joseph and Cecilia Essner Margrabe.

Raised in Jackson, Andrew was a 1993 graduate of Jackson High School, excelling in academics and band. Andrew was an accomplished musician, playing the alto saxophone. He was most passionate about JHS Jazz Band. He also enjoyed band competitions, and in 1993 he was awarded third-chair saxophone in the Missouri All-State Band and performed at Tan-Tara.

Andrew was a very active member of Boy Scout Troop 311, participating in many adventures, camp-outs and serving as senior patrol leader. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout; was elected to the Order of the Arrow; served on staff during summer camp at Camp Lewallen; attended the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia; and completed a backpacking expedition at Philmont Scout Ranch High Adventure in New Mexico.

In 1997, Andrew graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor's degree in economics and political science. In May 2001, he received a juris doctorate (law degree) from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was pursuing a new career in information technology and had earned several certifications toward attaining that goal.

Andrew enjoyed online gaming and playing chess. He participated in chess tournaments hosted by St. Louis Chess Club and livestreamed chess games on the Twitch platform.

Most importantly, Andrew firmly believed in God and strove to be a good Christian, treating others with kindness and respect. He especially enjoyed studying the Bible and learning the word of God.

Andrew is survived by his parents; aunts and uncles, Barbara (Dan) Sadler, Rosemary (Paul) Horrell, Leo (Linda) Fuller, Jerene Moore and Corona Essner; and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert Henry and Dorothy Bell-Roll Margrabe; maternal grandparents, Nicholas Andrew and Mary Catherine (Schaefer) Essner; uncles and aunts, Herbert and Virginia Essner, Raymond and Marian Essner, Wilfred and Patsy Ressel, Leon Essner, Jim and Sylvia Reinagel, Carl and Margaret Ann Snider and Linda Margrabe Smith.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 3, and from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday, March 4, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at the funeral home, with Deacon Walter Biri officiating, assisted by Eric Owens and Rick Horrell. Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Jackson R2 School Foundation, with memo "For JHS Jazz Band Program".

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Andrew's obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.