Andrus was born December 11, 1943, and raised in Maurice, Louisiana, to Andrus John Sr. and Gertie Hebert Arabie before moving to Lafayette. On May 11, 1963, he married Melanie Kibodeaux and they moved to Erath, Louisiana to work at a Dairy Farm. Growing their family with four children Clifton, Kenneth, Melvin and Soraya. In 1980, they moved to Iberia Parish in the small area of Lydia. Where they remained for many years until ultimately moving to New Iberia. Over the years Andrus held many professions such as a Dairy Farmer and Butcher. He worked many years for Loomis International, owned 3 bars with his wife and finally landed in the Oilfield at the Port of Iberia before his retirement.
Andrus was a gentle giant who loved spending time outdoors raising livestock, hosting boucheries and crawfish boils, cooking, gardening, old western cowboy programs and pretending to be a grump but was the biggest teddy bear who gave the best hugs.
He is survived by his children Clifton Arabie (Deneen) of Lydia, Melvin Arabie of Abbeville, Soraya A. Duplantis (Huey) of New Iberia; Grandchildren Chantel A. Peltier, Danielle A. Charpentier, Brittany A. Bourque, Summer B. Authorlee, Joni Arabie, Ren Arabie, Harley Arabie, Kayla Langner, Kearsten Duplantis, Dalton Duplantis and Mia Duplantis; twenty Great Grandchildren, Godchild Carla David and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Andrus John Sr. and Gertie Hebert Arabie, his wife of 45 years Melanie Kibodeaux Arabie, his son Kenneth Wayne Arabie, his siblings Evelyn, Stanley, Celia, Clara, Willie and DeElla and his godchild Amy Balfa.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Evangeline Funeral Home. Deacon Durk Viator will officiate. Andrus will be laid to rest privately at a later date.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Evangeline Funeral Home from 10:00 am until time of service. A rosary will be prayed at 11:00 am.
The family would like to Thank the staff at Belle Teche Nursing Home in New Iberia for the incredible care they gave Andrus for the last 10 years he spent with them. He undoubtedly loved you all as family.
Relatives and friends are invited to share condolences and memories with the family by visiting Andrus’ memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
