Bryson John Andrus

Airman First Class Bryson John Andrus of the United States Air Force, age 21, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Sunday, February 11, 2024 as a result of a tragic accident in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

 Funeral services are 10:30 AM, on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Discovery Church in Yankton with Reverend Cory Kitch officiating.  Burial will be in the Yankton Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Air Force Honor Guard.  Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Tuesday, February 20 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a prayer service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Pallbearers are Brady Badwound, Riley Folkers, Brady Smith, Dillion Ahrens, Kaleb Frick and Dustin Gusso.  Honorary pallbearers are Ryan Lammers and Jeff Appleman.

 Bryson Andrus was born in Kearney, Nebraska, at Good Samaritan Hospital on June 18, 2002.  At the age of four, Bryson and his family moved to Yankton, South Dakota.   He graduated from Yankton High School in May of 2021, and joined the Air Force later that same year.

 As a young boy, Bryson loved dinosaurs and collecting fossils.  He had an insatiable curiosity about nature and was happiest when he was hunting, fishing, or just out experiencing the world around him.  Bryson and his sisters spent hours in the woods behind their home, building forts where they could hide away and watch the birds and animals going by.   He loved to share his knowledge with others, and would excitedly point out the animal tracks and bird calls, showing people wonders they may have otherwise missed.  Nature remained a constant through life, and some of his happiest moments were spent deer hunting with his dad and his brother-in-law Ryan, as much for the time together as for the sport itself.  

 Bryson loved muscle cars, especially Mopars, and anything to do with car restoration.  After turning 16, he could always be found under the hood of an old car, tinkering until he had it up and running down the road – perhaps a little too fast for his mom’s comfort.  His good friends joined him, and his parents’ garage was witness to much laughter, good stories, and piles of empty pizza boxes.

 As Bryson grew, his love for the countryside developed into an even stronger love for his Country.  Bryson joined the Air Force after graduation, completing his Basic Military Training and Technical Training in San Antonio, Texas.  His pride in this accomplishment was matched only by the pride of his parents and family, who loved to see him excel.  On the recommendation of his commanding officer, he was named a Distinguished Graduate, as he was in the top 10% of his flight for academics, met all physical requirements, and passed all weapon systems training on his first attempt. 

 Bryson was a protector, with a strong sense of right and wrong.  This led him to his career in the Security Forces at Holloman Air Force Base.  He was passionate about defending the people and country he loved.  In 2023, Bryson was deployed to Jordan in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, where he served for six months, returning to Holloman after fulfilling his duty.  

 Bryson was home on leave for two weeks in early February, where he spent precious time with his family and friends.  On returning to Holloman, he was involved in an unfortunate accident, and his time with us was cut unexpectedly short.   Bryson was a genuine individual. Quiet in groups, he always had a mischievous smile for those who knew him best.   He knew who he was and had the strength to remain true to himself and his values. We are grateful for his life and service.

 He is survived by his parents, John and Twyla Andrus; sisters, Ciara (Ryan) Lammers and Rylie Andrus; his grandmother, Karen Andrus; nephew, Wyatt and niece, Josie Lammers; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.  

 Bryson was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ron Andrus; grandparents, Gene and Loretta Hartman; aunt, Linda Bornmann; and cousin-in-law, Heaven Appleman.