War hero, Purple Heart recipient 1st Sgt. Bob Andreas passes

‘He was a true soldier’- Virginia Blackwell

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- The man known for fighting for his country, fighting for his fellow veterans and founding the Campbell County Honor Guard has died. U.S. Army First Sergeant Bob Andreas, retired, passed away on Thursday.

“Bob Andreas was a man bigger than life.  He only stood  5-5, but his personality made him 6-6,” said Kevin Walden, retired United States Air Force Tech Sergeant. Walden would know. He followed in the foot steps of Veteran Service Officer Emeritus Bob Andreas as his replacement in 2005.

“He was a true soldier and wonderful person. He did so much to help our veterans here in Campbell County,” said Virginia Blackwell, friend of Bob and his wife Linda.

“Bob was a hero to all veterans and their families here in Campbell County and is responsible for bringing the Campbell County Veterans service office to the success of where it is today.  He was a fighter for the veterans, securing the benefits they so rightfully deserve for serving their country while enduring disabilities from their service,” said Walden. 

Andreas spent five years in the Vietnam War while earning a Purple Heart. He was shot in combat and stabbed. His post service employment included continuing to work with veterans.

“He would even go the extra mile and travel to Nashville. There he’d fight face-to-face at the Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Building. and he did that several times. He was like David fighting Goliath. He spent every waking hour helping veterans,” said Walden.

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” said General George Patton at a 1944 Memorial Event. “We were blessed to have had Bob for 86 years.  He has touched and impacted the lives of so many around him,” said Walden.

Walters Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-09/05/2025-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMITTED)