Gary L. Andres, 81, beloved Husband, Son, and Father, was called to his eternal resting place on April 25, 2023, at his home in Coffeyville, Kansas with family at his side.
Gary entered this world on August 27, 1941, in Independence, KS, born to Roy and Elva Andres. He grew up in Independence, graduating from Independence High School in 1959. Gary served in the Air Force from 1962 - 1968.
A beautiful young woman named Judy Melton caught his eye while working at the outdoor movie theater in Dearing, Kansas in the summer of 1957. They dated for 7 years and were wed on December 21, 1963, in Dearing, while he was stationed in Minot, North Dakota where they resided until his honorable discharge. The couple returned to Coffeyville making it their forever home where they raised their two sons, Gary, and Jeffery. Gary and Judy were active members of Dearing Christian Church and the couple just celebrated 59 years of marriage.
He was a self-accomplished graphic designer and artist. He painted numerous paintings, and hand painted graphic designs on airplanes, business vehicles and an ambulance for CRMC several years ago. Gary had several jobs over the years. He began his adult career days as the credit manager at the Sherwin Williams store downtown Coffeyville. He then began working at Funk Manufacturing, now known as John Deere in inventory and production control where he worked for 20 plus years before retiring.
Gary enjoyed many things in life but nothing more than spending time with his family. The Andres’ family has a long generational history of Saturday night family gatherings known by all as “Hamburger Night”. For years there would be as many as 50 hamburgers made for all that came. Over the years the frequency has lessened, families have moved away, and became smaller in numbers, but no matter the location of families the tradition has continued. When everyone is “home” a “Hamburger Night” is planned. In addition to spending time with his family Gary truly enjoyed fishing, casting a line, and just waiting for the perfect catch. He could build anything, gifted with the talent to engineer just about anything that came to mind. With just a little doodling, a few measurements and before you knew it, he had it built. Gary didn’t sit still well, if he wasn’t fishing or building something he was outside doing yard work. He also liked to collect Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and other Old Western memorabilia. He was also an avid KC Chiefs fan and loved to cheer them on during football season.
Gary is survived by his wife Judy Andres; son Gary D. Andres and his wife Barb; son Jeffery A. Andres and his wife Shannon; Grandchildren, Christopher, Jackie, Katie, Sara, Myles, and Holly and one Great Grandson, Cayde; Brothers, Bill Andres and his wife Jeanie, Danny Andres and his wife Carla, David Andres and his wife Stacy, Dennis Andres, and his wife Veronica; Sister Kay and her husband Ron Hensley. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack Andres.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 29 at Ford- Wulf- Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas at 11am. Pastor Jamie Regis of Dearing Christian Church will be officiating. The family request memorial contributions be made payable to either Dearing Christian Church or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left in care of the chapel. Visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com to watch the live streaming of the service under his obituary or to leave a message of condolence or share a memory.
