On Saturday, April 6th, Galveston Island and the surrounding communities lost a large part of their family. Andrew Douglas McLane regained his freedom at the age of 49 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Andy served as the Chief of Police for the Jamaica Beach Police Department since 2008. Prior to his position as Chief, Andy retired from the Galveston Police Department after achieving the rank of sergeant. Andy proudly wore his badge from the time he began his career in law enforcement at the age of 18 with the Santa Fe Police Department followed by a short time as an officer for Jamaica Beach, until his death. His lists of accomplishments are tremendous and the number of lives he influenced will be recognized for years to come. Among his associations, Andy was a founding member of the Undefeated Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, helping to raise funds for the Child Advocacy of Galveston County. Andy will be missed for his smile, his laugh and his ability to tell a story. All he needed was an audience and Andy provided what was needed to help those around him with laughter, compassion and respect.
Andrew was born on February 29, 1964, in Texas City, Texas. He graduated from Texas City High School and attended Alvin Community College where he received his certification to become a peace officer.
He is preceded in death by his father, Martin McLane and his sister, Mary Hackett.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his daughter, Ashley McLane; his mother, Elizabeth McLane; brothers, David McLane and wife, Cindy; and John McLane; nieces, Sara Hackett, and Katy Mills and husband, Tyler; nephews, Joshua McLane, and Justin McLane and wife, Katie; along with a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. Andrew also leaves behind a large family of brothers and sisters of the Law Enforcement community that will greatly miss his presence.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm, Tuesday, April 9th, at The Lyceum, 24th and Winnie, Galveston, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 10th, at First Lutheran Church, 25th and Winnie, Galveston, Texas with Rev. Doug Guthier officiating. Interment will follow at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock, Texas.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Andy’s life will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 11100 Highway 6 in Santa Fe.
Pallbearers will be Richard Sedgwick, acting Police Chief of Jamaica Beach; Sgt. Rudy Flores of the Texas Rangers; Gordon Morse, retired Galveston Police Department; Chief Walter Braun, Santa Fe Police Department; Christopher Sanderson of the Galveston Police Department; and Bobby Sanderson, Jr. of the Galveston Police Department.
Honorary pallbearers will be peace officers from Galveston and Jamaica Beach Police Departments, Bobby Sanderson, Sr., Joshua McLane, and Justin McLane.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, the Lighthouse Charity Team or the charity of your choice.
Protect With Respect.