Andrew Irvin Webber was born February 8, 1983 in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, and is the eldest child of James Foster Webber and Karla Diane Stephens Webber. He lost his life July 29, 2023, while serving a humanitarian assignment with the 59th Motorized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army Ground Forces. He was preceded in death by grandparents James and Eileen Webber of South Bend, Irvin and Louise Stephens of Willapa, and his brother-in-law William Villanueva.
Andrew’s lumpy civil war era twin bed in East Raymond, Washington, was held up by history books, National Geographic magazines, and Calvin and Hobbes comics. Most nights you would find him under his favorite red and blue blanket with a flashlight hoping not to get caught reading too late into the night. At 13, while most of us were solely interested in riding bikes and collecting baseball cards, Andrew applied for his first military commission as evidenced by a polite but frank rejection letter from the Royal British Navy. Many would eventually describe Andrew as “1 of 1”, meaning that there’s no one like him in the world, but his parents were most likely the first. The descriptor was most often used in pride, but sometimes with lifted eyebrows or a cross tongue. Andrew left his childhood in Pacific County Washington, graduating Willapa Valley High School (2001) with deep roots, a startling knowledge base, and a distinguished nose shaped by the inability to keep his head up during wrestling matches.
While being a “1 of 1” left him beloved, he was not necessarily flexible to the niceties needed to fly under the radar. This proved a challenge when he accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. At West Point, Andrew formed unwavering friendships, and classmates describe him as laughing, smiling, helping, and always in some kind of mischief. In 2005, mischief in tow, he graduated with a B.S. in Human Geography and Environmental Engineering. In addition, he was a member of the Army Wrestling Team, Gamma Theta Upsilon, the Geography Team, and he earned yet another broken nose while in boxing class.
Andrew had a strong presence, but was difficult to describe. He buried himself in books but was not isolated, was equally passionate and mild tempered, and deeply intentional as well as spontaneous. Andrew was brief as well as a tremendous storyteller. As thirsty for knowledge as he was, Andrew’s strongest interest was the person standing in front of him and, because of this, he amassed friends from many walks of life from all corners of the world.
On April 24, 2010 Andrew married the love of his life Elizabeth (DeeDee) Cloyd in Huntsville, Alabama. DeeDee is the daughter of Richard and Margaret Cloyd. While stationed in Germany, they welcomed a daughter, Guinevere Lake (2012), and recently (2021) welcomed Vera Diane to their loving family. Andrew and DeeDee traveled the world visiting more than 40 countries, often with their daughters in tow. You could find them at White Sox and Mariners games, and spending time with family and friends, but mostly they enjoyed precious time with their daughters. The role of an Army wife does not come lightly, and does not end when service ends, especially when dealing with the physical and mental tolls of war. The strength, courage, and fierceness DeeDee has shown throughout their life together was the foundation on which their world was built.
Andrew dedicated over 11 years of service in the United States Army. He served 3 deployments throughout his career and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain in April of 2016. He served as a Platoon Leader/ Infrastructure Development in Baghdad Iraq, Battalion Advisor/Embedded: 25th Corps Argan National Army in Zabul, Afghanistan, Company Commander: 198th Infantry Brigade in Fort Benning Georgia, Planner and Troop Commander: 1-91 CAV/173d Airborne Brigade in Logar Provence Afghanistan, Plans Officer: 1-91 CAV/173d Airborne Brigade in Schweinfurt Germany, Plans Officer: Joint Multinational Training Center in Grafenwoehr Germany. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Afghan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with two stars, four Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, four Overseas Service Ribbons, the NATO Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, and Parachutist Badge. In addition, he was awarded a special accommodation by the Afghan National Army for bravery.
After his military service, Andrew earned his Doctorate of Law from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in Chicago Illinois. Andrew volunteered hundreds of hours of his time to organizations and people he believed in. He was a mentor and co-director of Service to School, an organization that assisted veterans in their pursuit of higher education, and the primary instructor for True Communities, teaching trauma response to high-risk communities in Chicago and creating a low-cost, easy to use tourniquet (patent pending). Andrew served as a mentor with Chicago Youth Programs, provided legal assistance for citizens who were facing eviction in South Chicago, was a Peer Mentor for Global Youth for Change Development Initiative, coached youth wrestling while at Fort Benning Georgia, and founded and co directed a pro-bono immigration project helping Afghans find refuge through legal and diplomatic channels.
In addition to his valor, incredible knowledge base, and deep sacrifices, Andrew’s genuine love for people was felt across the globe. He deeply loved his wife, daughters, family, classmates, and friends. His love languages were both words and deeds and a very good reminder that no matter how big or small an effort is to help, it matters and can be life changing for the recipient.
Andrew is survived by his wife DeeDee Cloyd-Webber and their two young daughters, Guinevere Lake and Vera Diane. He is also survived by his parents, Jamie and Karla Webber, sisters Stacey Webber-Villanueva, Nichole Webber (Andrea), Stephanie Webber (Gabe), a younger brother Neal Riley, and Daniel Villalobos (Sally), and 8 nieces.
“And when our work is done,
Our course on earth is run,
May it be said,
Well done, Be though at peace.”
Memorial Services to be held August 26 at 11:00 am at the New Life Fellowship in Raymond Washington.
A reception and luncheon will be held at the Willapa Methodist Church in Raymond. For those who cannot attend, a link is provided: https://www.facebook.com/nlfraymondwa?mibextid=LQQJ4d
In lieu of flowers we ask that you provide a service to a family, friend, or random stranger.
