Andrew Jay McCurry, 72, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023, at his home in Burrton, KS surrounded by his loving family.
Andy was born on September 8, 1950 in Hutchinson, KS to Ruth (Campbell) and A.J. McCurry. Andy graduated from Burrton High School in 1968; obtained a B.S. degree in Animal Sciences & Industry from Kansas State University in 1978. Andy made a career change to meet his family goals and was accepted into the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1990. He worked as a pharmacist in the Hutchinson, KS area for 30 years retiring on his 70th birthday in 2020. He also worked for the Kansas Livestock Association from 1980-1984.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; son, John (Melody) McCurry and their children Aubree, Molly and Drew, Hutchinson, KS; daughter, Emily (Tyson) Mullen and their children, Avery and Hallie, Ulysses, KS. He was their biggest cheerleader and the light of his life.
Other survivors are sister, Carole (Rick) Schlender, Burrton, KS; brother, Ray (Rose) McCurry, Mt. Hope, KS; and brother-in-law, Raymond Dixon of McAlester, OK. Also, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Jan Dixon of McAlester, OK, sister-in-law, Sue (Smith) Coley of Rockford, IL, and nephew, Tyler Schlender of Burrton, KS.
Andy married Mary Elizabeth Smith on August 5, 1977 in Jackson, TN. Together they created a start-up registered Angus operation, McCurry Angus Ranch (formerly Marands Angus using their combined names …Andy & Mary). As a 3rd generation Angus breeder, Andy wanted something he could call his own and not someone else’s legacy. It wasn’t the easy way but in reality he created his own legacy, his own Angus herd and ranch.
Never one to shine the light on himself, Andy worked tirelessly behind the scenes to turn a run-down piece of property into his own “homeplace”. A lifetime of pounding posts (thus the hearing loss!) by hand for over 40 years turned into a place hosting many livestock judging teams, visitors from across the US, cattle sales, chuckwagon cookouts and a place to raise his family. His work ethic, dependability and strong, solid values were the backbone of the decisions he made in his life.
Andy’s gift was the ability to meet people from all walks of life and “visit” with them. He was always interested in YOU…not himself. His network of friends was nationwide thanks to many years showing cattle with his family’s operation. There wasn’t a cattle event anywhere in the country that Andy didn’t know or see someone he had met in his journey with Angus cattle.
Because Andy re-invented himself by changing his career, he was sought out by many who were struggling with “what to do” with their life or unhappy in their chosen profession. He encouraged many to consider pharmacy as a career. When folks said “I wish I could” …. his response was “you can if you put your mind to it”.
Many awards came his way, some of which included:
• 2012 “Doc” Woerpel Award from Hutchinson Community College for dedicated excellence in providing agriculture education and leadership to HCC
• 2003 Honorary Angus Foundation (By the National Jr Angus Assn) – 1 of 3 awarded nationally each year
• 2000 Kansas 4-H Family of the Year (1999 Reno Co 4-H Family of the Year)
• 2015 Beef Improvement Federation Seedstock Producer of the Year (Kansas Livestock Association’s 2015 Seedstock Producer of the Year)
• 2016 Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation “Wall of Honor”
• 2016 Kansas Angus Assn Honorary Member
• Advisor – KS Jr Angus Assn – under his tutelage KJAA won 16 sweepstakes in a row at the National Jr Angus Show
Instead of traveling to attend a funeral, it was Andy’s wish that people use that time to do something positive for someone else; take your grandchild for a walk through the cattle, reconnect with someone from your past, go visit or help someone with a project you have been meaning to do; make an effort to resolve old conflicts or lend a stranger a helping hand. Offering your time and energy in this way will not only honor Andy’s memory and spirit, but benefit us all by touching the hearts and lives of others as he has touched ours.
The family would like to collect and make available a list of the good deeds done in memory of Andy; the deeds will be listed anonymously. This information can be mailed to the family, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice.
Cremation has occurred and a family service will follow at a later date.
Messages can be left at www.Elliottmortuary.com.
I met Andy when I was doing Esch’s Estate Sale. He introduced himself to me in the yard and I knew immediately that he was an amazing man. We knew of several people in common – The Sankeys for one and had a nice chat about their families and school days. When he drove off I remember thinking that there needed to be more men like him-kind, caring and genuine. Cynthia Morton