Frank H. Andrix

Andrix Frank H. Andrix, pioneer in avionics engineering, dies at 86. Frank Andrix of Minnetonka, who contributed to many innovative designs employed in flight and weapons systems for the defense industry, died May 23, 2003 at the Texas Terrace residence after a prolonged illness. He was the son of the late August and Gertrude (Bailey) Andrix of Circleville, Ohio. He began his carrier instructing at Ohio State University, where he had graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1938. He then moved to General Electric in New York designing powered drives for a number of naval gun mounts including the 5 inch 54 caliber mount. In 1946 he joined Bell Aerosystems (Bell Aircraft Corporation), where as Director of Engineering, he was responsible for development of automatic pilot systems for both missile guidance and helicopter operation, aircraft inertial guidance systems and automatic carrier landing systems. He was named Assistant Vice President in 1961. His last position brought him to Minnesota as Director of Engineering at Northern Ordnance. In 1974 he served as expert witness and consultant to the U.S. Justice Department involving patent litigation of servo systems. After retirement he traveled to India on several occasions doing contract negotiations for FMC Corporation. Whether pursuing his interests as an avid gardener and nature enthusiast or working on his next investment strategy, he employed his analytical skills to all his endeavors. He consistently produced awe inspiring crops of tomatoes but felt mixed emotions guarding his plants from interested wildlife, whether it was deer, snakes, rabbits or groundhogs. He was a loving husband and father and was known for his generosity to all his family. He is survived by his wife, June (Anderson) Andrix of 64 years, three daughters; Rosemary Palmer & husband, Robert, Holly Stahl & husband, Leonard, Julia Andrix; and a son, Frank Thomas Andrix & wife, Nancy. Three grandchildren, Beth Monaghan & husband, Patrick, Joshua Andrix and April Andrix additionally survive him. A memorial service will be held 11 AM Thursday, May 29, 2003 at First Christian Church, 2201 1st Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55404-3402. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to First Christian Church. A private family interment is planned.

Published on May 28, 2003