Carpentersville Memories

Remembering Keith Andres

January 13, 1947 – November 2, 1967 (Age 20)

He was born on January 13, 1947. Keith lived and grew up in Carpentersville, Illinois and graduated from Barrington High in 1965.  In High School Keith was involved in Pep Club, Stage Crew, Pep Band, Marching Band, and German Club.

Keith John Andres was serving his country during the Vietnam War when he gave his all in the line of duty. He had enlisted in the United States Army. Entered the service via Regular Military. He began his tour on 3 September 1966. Andres had the rank of Specialist Four. His military occupation or specialty was Military Policeman attached to 18th Military Police Brigade, 545th MP Company.

During his service in the Vietnam War, Army Specialist Four Andres experienced a traumatic event which ultimately resulted in loss of life on 2 November 1967. Recorded circumstances attributed to: Died through hostile action … small arms fire. Incident location: South Vietnam, Binh Dinh province.

KEITH IS HONORED ON PANEL 29E, LINE 9 OF THE WALL

Keith was the first young man from Carpentersville, IL to be killed in combat during the Vietnam War. He was just a couple of months away from his 21st birthday and was in his final few months of deployment. He was the oldest of 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

Andres Park and Andres Bike Park were named in memory of Keith Andres.

April, Keith’s younger sister, stated after the passing of their mother that, …I’m sure she would have been thrilled that the park named after her oldest son was being renovated and revitalized. He was a good man and will never be forgotten.

Commendations + Awards

★ Bronze Star

★ Purple Heart

★ National Defense Service Medal

★ Vietnam Campaign Medal

★ Vietnam Service Medal

★ Army Presidential Unit Citation

★ Vietnam Gallantry Cross

Andres Park is a 25-acre property in the heart of Carpentersville, Illinois. The Park had been abandoned and not maintained for over two decades. The park had also been used as an unauthorized dump and was the scene of gang related activity. In addition, the oak trees are slowly being engulfed by invasive tree species. Following the successful deployment of a nearby trail system at Raceway Woods the Mayor of Carpentersville approached CAMBr to build a bike park at Andres Park. Over the past several years CAMBr has built many features including a playground for kids, skills areas, pump tracks, a downhill trail and a terrain park. The park is a welcome feature for the residents of Carpentersville and fits in with the Village’s Vision of a bike friendly environment.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26341207/keith_john-andres

https://cambr.org/andres-bike-park/