Andrew 'Andy' Magana (1927-2017)
Andrew “Andy” Magaña, 90, passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 in the comfort of his home in Chula Vista, Calif. after a long illness.
He was born to Jesus and Sara Magaña (deceased) and raised in Kanopolis, Kan.. He graduated from Kanopolis High School in 1945.
Andrew is survived by his wife, Angela of the home; children, Andra Magaña Bunch (Irineo) of Beverly, Kan., Frank Magaña (Donna) of Layton, Utah, Lisa Magaña Walsh (Frank) of Portland, Ore., Martha Rojas Flor, Elisa de la Flor and Natalia Flor of Chula Vista; grandchildren Mike Bunch ( Dawnae) of Kanopolis; Angie Farmer (Dan) of Franklin, Nebraska; Jayson Magaña and Bryan Magaña of Layton, Utah; Angela Tomlinson, and Julio, Luis, Monica of Chula Vista; 5 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by four siblings: Virginia Caldwell, of Arizona; Jesse Magaña, of Brookville; Frank Magaña, of Kansas City; and Concepcion Magaña, of Wichita.
He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Magana Tipton of Oklahoma; sisters Theresa Magaña and Albina Mesa, of Kanopolis; Socorro Hernandez, of Salina; Esperanza Rios of Parma, Ohio; and brother Celestino Magaña, of Cleveland, Ohio.
Andrew was a World War II Army veteran who served in Wurzburg, Germany. Upon his discharge he worked at the Independent Salt Mine Kanopolis. A few years later Andrew left Kansas and spent his working life in Cleveland, Ohio where he was a Union Pipefitter at Republic Steel. Upon retirement, Andrew and Angela moved to California to be near Angela’s family. Angela’s daughter Martha served as their caregiver in recent years allowing the couple to remain in their home.
Andrew faithfully supported his favorite sports teams over the years and despite the miles followed the Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers; his patience finally rewarded with an NBA championship in 2016 and an almost World Series win that year as well. A piece of his heart always remained in Kansas though, and when he would visit, a highlight was taking a drive through his hometown, making the scenery and history come alive for his family with stories of the past. In his last days, Andrew reminisced often about his birthplace, family and childhood friends, perhaps as he prepared for the end of his long journey. His family will miss his humor, strength, perseverance, big smile, and even bigger heart.
Cremation has taken place. No service is planned. The family suggests memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.