Stenson Andrus

Stenson Austin Corky Andrus

Stenson Austin Corky Andrus was born on Prairie View Ranch 12 miles north of Lovington, NM, June 4, 1918. Cork was united with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ February 14, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents James Perry and Eula Jack Andrus; brother, Jess Medlin, and sister Lillis Mai Conley Andrus. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Wanna Belle Langenegger of Hagerman. The two were married June 14, 1939, in Las Cruces. He is also survived by a brother Lawrence Ray Andrus and wife Betty of Roswell, and sister Billie Jean Goff Andrus and husband Dean of Lovington.

Cork and Wanna B. have three sons; Billy Ray Andrus and wife Cathie of South Padre Island, Texas. Jerry Lee Andrus and wife Jane of Roswell, and Louis Dibrell Andrus and wife Kathey of Lubbock, Texas, six grandchildren- Shawn Andrus and wife Marsha of Artesia, Nicholaus Andrus of Chicago, Illinois, Brian Andrus and Leah Andrus of Phoenix, Arizona, Caleb Brian of Lubbock, Joshua Black of Dallas, Texas, three great grandchildren Hunter Austin Andrus, Megan Andrus and Sean Kuhns of Artesia.

Cork spent his early childhood in New Home, Texas, and moved to the Hagerman area in 1929. He spent many years farming cotton and alfalfa. While living in Hagerman he served as a fire chief, deacon of First Baptist Church and as Little League Coach.

He was a championship roper who won numerous buckles, saddles, and horse trailers in both calf roping and team roping. One of his fondest memories was winning a Super Looper team roping in Albuquerque at age 73. He roped with the old time cowboys such as Bob Crosby, Tuffy Cooper, Troy Fort and many others. Cork was one of the last of the true cowboys who rode the range, worked cattle drives and lived his life with a love of horses. His gentle spirit was reflected as a true Horse Whisperer training roping horses with a gentle hand long before the movies made that image popular.

He was a true Christian Cowboy who loved his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorial Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Hagerman Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at 2:00 pm with a graveside service to follow. Body will lie in state at Ballard Funeral Home in Hagerman. Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are J.D. Franklin, Barney Green, Harvey Smith, Wesley Pilley and members of his Sunday School Class.

A heartfelt thanks to Vista Care Dr. Radar, Steve Smith, and everyone else who cared for our loved one during the end.

In lieu of flowers, please send a charitable contributions to New Mexico Baptist Childrens Home, P.O. Box 629, Portales New Mexico, 88130.

aligncenterId Rather Be A Cowboy

aligncenterBy Bruce Given

aligncenterId rather be a cowboy than anything else I know.

aligncenterThough there have been times I have wondered why its so.

aligncenterUp at dawn and doing chores all day;

aligncenterA whole lot of work, for so little pay.

aligncenterIve been stomped on, gored, bucked off too;

aligncenterBattered, bleeding; black and blue.

aligncenterYet theres something about working the open plain,

aligncenterTwo days there are never exactly the same,

aligncenterA feeling of freedom and of peace,

aligncenterLong after the days work has ceased.

aligncenterSeeing the splendor of Gods creation.

aligncenterLiving each day with fresh anticipation.

aligncenterFor when Christs cross came into my life.

aligncenterI was freed from struggle and from strife.

aligncenterBeing a cowboy still brings me great delight,

aligncenterEspecially now that Im walking in his light.
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Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
205 E. Iverness Rd.
Hagerman, NM  88232
Saturday, February 16, 2008
2:00 p.m.

Service

Memorial Services

First Baptist Church
211 N. Cambridge
Hagerman, NM  88232
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Cemetery

Hagerman
P.O. Box 266
Roswell, NM  88232

Memorial Contributions

New Mexico Christian Childrens Home
1356 NM 236
Portales, NM  88130