Time can be a specific or non-specific duration in a space between a beginning and an expected end. It can be abrupt or everlasting. All lives are afforded a ration of it to complete a particular cycle of events and happenings that are necessary to color the walls of existence. One thing is crucially true and that is time will wait for no one and motivates some of us to use it proficiently and not waste opportunities when they present themselves. Other than costs or courtesy, why wait for the quote “the right time?” Whatever your choices in life are, take note that time is the ultimate equalizer and there’s no such thing as (more than enough) when payment comes due. 

On November 10, 1937 Andrew Gusman was born to Delores Tinoco and Guadalupe Gusman at home on the same date that The United States Marine Corps was established in 1775. Andy would have a total of six brothers—Trini, Ray, Lupe, Bob, Albany, and Gus and four sisters—Jessie, Juanita, Julia, and Gloria. All were born at home with a midwife, in DePue, IL except Ray who was born in Mexico and Gloria in Spring Valley. 

As a young barefoot boy in bib overalls Andy, with his siblings who were old enough, would help their mother with the care of three large gardens and tend to other chores, while dad worked at the New Jersey Zinc Company where many other different ethnic groups were employed. Andy was always very close to his mother and her love and teachings formed the foundations that made him the kind and considerate person we all know and respect today in Chillicothe. 

After graduating in 1956, he enlisted in The Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, the largest marine base in the world, for two years active duty and then four years in the reserves. While at Pendleton, Corporal Gusman, was a pastry cook and ran his own department which prepared, for thousands of hungry Marines, daily assorted confectionaries of delight. He loved The Marine Corps and his duty to his country. 

In 1960 – 61, before his discharge, he went to Barber College in Peoria, IL and then he embarked on his lifelong career as a union barber with apprenticeships in St Charles, IL and Jim’s Barber Shop on Sheridan Road. He caught the eye of barber Frank Humphrey, future mentor and great friend, and in 1963 he joined Frank at The Parkview Shop in Chillicothe for nine years and in little or no time easily made new friends. 

In 1964 he married Wilma Wallace from Wyanet and adopted her three sons Joe, Bob, and Patrick. After 13 years, their union dissolved but as time teaches us it also, given enough of itself, slowly heals the heart. Meanwhile, Andy’s popularity in Chillicothe was rolling, even up against the likes of Frank Razo, Bob Locke, Bill DeVoss, Harry Potts, and many others who blessed our town with their talents in grooming the public over the years, Andy stood tall. 

He opened and ran Andy’s Barber Shop next to Carlisle Drugs for many years, a relaxing sanctuary where citizens could listen to or watch baseball, read a magazine, and bend the sympathetic ear of a true confidant and master of the comb and scissors. From all the years since 1963, over six decades, Andy’s influence on Chillicothe and the people’s lives he has touched is undeniable. 

In 1979 a young fledgling attorney asked Tom Kerr where he could get a good haircut. Tom said: try that little guy on 2nd Street. Mike Mahoney discovered Andrew A. Gusman and a 45-year best friend relationship endures to this day. Andy says, “We are there for each other no matter what.” Mike says, “Andy makes you feel good about everything, captures your heart before you know it, and is a perfect example of a true Christian.” 

After nine years of bachelorhood, it was only fitting that he fell hard again for Mary Teresa Medina Borton, a beautiful and accomplished barber in her own right. A girl he would drive 80 miles round trip to visit, from DePue to Chillicothe in  his youth, when he could borrow Ray’s car. She had two children, Mark and Melinda. Andy and Teresa married on September 27, 1986. At his new location on 2nd and Walnut some customers called him The Mayor of 2nd Street as he cut hair for all generations. 

Over the years he has always been involved in community and church activities, charities, benefits, and sporting events. He is a life member of The Peoria Casting Club and Lions Club, Marine Corp League Chaplain, American Legion and  Honor Guard, Am Vets Chaplain and life member, KOC charter member, devout catholic and Eucharist minister at St. Edwards Church where he touches the lives of so many with his duties and calling and perhaps his best gift of all to his fellow citizens, his time. 

There was no more of a handsome couple on the dance floor than Teresa and Andy who could and did cut a rug with the best of em! I wish I could have seen that. Together they founded The Mexican American Society in Chillicothe. Together they planned and hosted summer parties and listened to good live music. Together they cared for all of their adopted children and grandkids. Together they made alliances, and friendships and kept promises made to loved ones, together they fought the hard battles against the demons of disease and together they loved each other for more than 38 years, sharing their time which was not at all wasted. 

If I could save time in a bottle, ( J. Croce )  

On April 14, 2024 his partner slipped away, and time did not stop but neither will Andy’s love. Vaya con dios. Andy will soon be 87, and this hero of the heart and ambassador of goodwill still cuts hair occasionally by appointment only. Cub fans and Marines are especially welcome. 

Somewhere on high in a distant realm of peace and tranquility, Delores and Guadalupe are proud and pleased to see their son has shared his time so wisely and generously in the hometown of his choice. There have been and always will be Hometown Heroes in Chillicothe of different walks, occupations, and stature and now former Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, Andrew A. Gusman, joins those ranks. Thanks for your time and service to the country and community.