Larry "Coonie" Andrus

Larry “Coonie” Andrus, 81, of Pampa, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022 in Pampa.

Services will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Norman Rushing, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Coonie was born December 30, 1940 in Lafayette, LA to Ivan and Willa Mae Andrus. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1958. Soon after high school, he enlisted in the US Army serving from 1958 until 1964. He married Shirley Kidwell on July 23, 1962 in Pampa. She preceded him on February 6, 2010. Coonie worked at Cabot for 33 ½ years as a lab tech before retiring, he then went to work for Gray County Courthouse as head of maintenance working another 13 years; retiring in 2010. After retiring, he spent as much time as he could fishing with his fishing partner, Ol’ Earl Smith. He was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church and was involved in Pampa Optimist Youth Club for many years. Coonie was known as “Candy Man” to some, as he loved to make hot cinnamon hard candy and give out to people. He was also known as Santa, he would dress up and make special deliveries of packages during Christmas time. Coonie was a wonderful cook, he loved to cook Cajun food such as Gumbo, Cabbage Rolls, and any dish with crawfish in it. His personality and smile were contagious, and he loved to tell stories to anyone who would listen. Coonie loved the Lord and loved sharing with his family. For the past 12 years he would send out a daily scripture, by text, to his family at 7:00 AM, and they always looked forward to seeing what the Lord laid on his heart each day. He will be missed by his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his son, Toby Andrus of Pampa; a daughter, Melody Charlier and husband Jason of The Colony; five grandchildren, Casi Akins and husband Mark of Forney, Justin Rawls and wife Carrie of Minot, ND, and Cody Rawls and wife Adrena of Tampa, FL, Austin Charlier of The Colony, Haylee Charlier of The Colony; four great grandchildren; a sister, Juanetta Hutto of Oklahoma; and a brother, Guy Simmons of Dallas.

Memorials can be sent to Central Baptist Church, 513 E. Francis, Pampa, Texas 79065.

Sign the online guest register at www.carmichael-whatley.com

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.