Michael was born January 6, 1960, in Welsh, LA. He was the middle of three children born to Howard and Jeanette Andrus. He was a lifelong resident of Hayes, LA. He graduated from Bell City High School and SOWELA Technical Institute. After working in the oil field for several years, he worked his remaining years (27 to be exact) at Firestone Polymers in Sulphur, LA. He was Catholic.
Michael had three daughters whom he adored: Kendra, RoseAnn, and Kamyrn. He also cherished his long-term partner in life, Kathy Manuel. They were two peas in a pod and did everything together. He loved family get togethers, especially around the holidays, and was known to fry a mean turkey or two to feed the crew.
Michael’s claim to fame was his fishing expertise. He loved fishing for catfish, bass, and bream, but his specialty was white perching along the banks of the Lacassine Bayou. If he had a day off, and weather permitted, he was in his boat on the bayou. A missed phone call to him was greeted by his voice message of, “I’m fishing. Leave a message and I’ll call you back.” Unfortunately, he did not leave a map with his secret spots for the rest of us.
He loved to be outdoors. He tended his lawn diligently and maintained an annual garden. His chicken coop was quite the accomplishment and would likely be rated 5 stars by the resident hens. He was a practical joker, a jack of all trades, and helped anybody who asked.
Michael was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Howard and Jeanette Andrus, and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Those left to cherish his memory are his life-partner Kathy Manuel; his children; Kendra (Jeremy) Rich, RoseAnn (Jimmy Morrison) Andrus, and Kamryn Andrus; his grandchildren, Caroline Rich, Kylie Rich, Jordynn Rich, Thatcher Rich, Ayden Rich, Blake Rich, Jolie Spears, and Adeline Morrison; his siblings, Carrie Vaussine and Aaron (Jill Guthrey) Andrus; nieces and nephews, Cade Vaussine, Cassandra Kikendall, Abigail Andrus, Zane Andrus, Sophie Andrus, and Grey Andrus; and his “brother from another mother”, Patrick Trahan and his wife, Darla (Marcantel).
The family will welcome friends on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6:30 p.m. and will reopen Friday June 18, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Hayes Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Andrus family.