Andrew John Shefts

Rev. Andrew J. "Deacon Andy" Shefts Rev. Andrew J. "Deacon Andy" Shefts passed away peacefully February 16, 2013 at the age of 91 of dementia related illness. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1713 N. Tinsley, Angleton, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial is set for Wednesday, February 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow at Angleton Cemetery. Pall bearers will be Michael Shefts, Wayne Pryor, Rev. Christopher Barrera, Wayne Pryor, Jr., Rev. John Barrera and Alvin Laird. Deacon Andy was born December 1, 1921 in Dickson City, PA to Michael and Veronica Bieszczak Szewc, the 11th of 13 children. He is preceded in death by his parents; 7 brothers, 4 sisters and the mother of his children, Myrtle G. Shefts. Survivors are his wife, Gracie Buchta Shefts of Angleton; children Beverly S. Pryor and husband Wayne of West Columbia, Texas; Debbie S. Barrera and husband John of Waxahachie, Texas; Mike Shefts of Angleton, Texas; Tricia Courtney of Freeport, Texas; Christopher Courtney; Angela Bacot and husband Danny of Sugar Land, Texas; Melody Hadley and husband Brian of Steam Boat Springs, CO. Grandchildren, Wayne Pryor, Jr. of Lake Jackson, Texas; Danielle Barrera of Waxahachie, Texas; Chris Barrera and wife Puff of Waxahachie, Texas; Mathew Barrera of Beaumont, Texas; Jessica Moore of Clute, Texas; Hunter Courtney; Breann and Quinn Bacot of Sugar Land, Texas; Wade of Steam Boat Springs, CO; great grandchildren Chelsea, Caitlyn, Gabrielle and Victoria Barrera of Waxahachie, TX; Julie Barrera of Freeport, Texas; Chris Donlon of Freeport, Texas and sister, Ellie Diaz of Rochester, NY and several nieces and nephews. Deacon Andy attended parochial school in Pennsylvania and served in the Civilian Conservation Corp, stationed in Arizona. At the age of 21, he became a merchant marine sailing the world from 1942-1954. He worked at Dow Chemical as an operator and retired after 30 years of service in 1986. Deacon Andy's ministry to the community began more than fifty years ago when he became an active legionary in the Legion of Mary. He participated in the life of the parish through visits to families, to the sick in their homes, in the hospital and to correctional facilities. He looked for opportunities to do works of service for the needy where ever he went. Active in his parish as a catechism teacher, bus driver, head of the Christian Education program, Eucharistic minister and lector, he is known for his dedication to helping anyone regardless of religious affiliation. He attended seminary and received the sacrament of Orders at St. Francis de Sales in Houston May 9, 1987 and served his church family faithfully preaching the word of God, assisting at Mass, administering baptisms, assisting and blessing marriages, bringing Viaticum to the dying, officiating at funerals, wakes and burials and continued serving the community in his special way. In September 1990 he was certified an ombudsman to area nursing homes. During these years of dedicated service, he will be remembered for his deep conviction and passionate concern, sharing his gift of hope, love and comfort and serving the needs of all God's people. We are so blessed to have had the gift of his presence these many years. The family extends a special thank you to Country Village Care staff and A-Med Hospice for the loving care they gave our Dad. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Andrew John Shefts, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pmService Information Wednesday, February 20th, 2013 11:00amInterment Location Angleton Cemetery 328 Cemetery Rd. Angleton, TX 77515