Horace Andrew “Andy” Pullen, age 89, passed away on October 12, 2026.
A celebration of life will be held at Grove Community Center on Sunday November 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup, IL is assisting the family.
Andy was born on September 15, 1937, in Duncan, OK to parents Horace Andrew and Zelma (Hanks) Pullen. The family moved to St. Elmo to the Carter Oil Camp in 1944. Andy graduated from Brownstown High School in 1955, then went on to obtain his master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. It was at Brownstown High School that Andy met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Hancock. These two sweethearts were married in 1960 in Pana, IL. The couple spent 66 years together building a life filled with love and adventure.
Andy’s career in Education Began in 1958 and continued for 40 years. The greatest joy in his life came from working with kids. Another huge aspect of Andy’s life was his involvement in athletics. He devoted 59 years as an IHSA certified official, serving multiple sports including Basketball 59 yrs., Track and Field 22 yrs. and Cross Country 5 yrs. He also officiated basketball at the Junior College level. On November 13, 2026, Andy will be inducted into the National Athletic Hall of Fame Officials Division.
Andy and Mary have two children, Brad and Teresa (Brad) Benefiel, five grandchildren Blake, Lindsey (Bert), Jolie (Dan), Bryson (Lauren), and Carly; four great grandchildren Jazilyn, Isaiah, Huxton and Jack. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Bill, Winnah, and Louise; and one great grandchild Andrew.
This obituary could have gone on and on because if you were fortunate enough to have known Andy, you know he had pretty much been everywhere and done everything. If you had the privilege of knowing him, you know he was a remarkable man who will be so dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Jude. Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Horace Andrew “Andy” Pullen, please visit our floral store.
Services
Celebration of Life
Sunday
November 22, 2026
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Grove Community Center
5251 E 1800th Ave
Montrose, IL 62445
