Thomas Gerald (Cotton) Andrus

Thomas Gerald (Cotton) Andrus Lafayette, LA - Funeral services will be held on Wednesday December 18, 2024, at a 12:00 pm at Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Church in Branch for Thomas Gerald (Cotton) Andrus, 77, who died Friday December 13, 2024, at Southwind Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Crowley LA. Interment will be in the Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Cemetery in Branch, LA. Pastor Micah Collins of Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Church will be the Celebrant of the Funeral service. Cotton, a devoted member of Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Church in Branch, Louisiana, born and raised in a farming community, Cotton grew up working the land, where he developed his love for farming rice and crawfish. He was a proud graduate of Rayne High School and McNeese State University in Lake Charles, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. While at McNeese, Cotton made a name for himself on the baseball field, where he was recognized as one of the university's all-time greats. He was honored as Athlete of the Year three consecutive years, from 1966 to 1968. After college, Cotton transitioned into a successful career as an oilfield salesman, a profession where his hardworking nature and dedication earned him respect. An avid gardener with a deep passion for the outdoors, Cotton found joy in nurturing the land and sharing the fruits of his labor. He was also a skilled cook, often preparing wild game dishes that he loved to share with his family and friends. Cotton’s legacy will live on through the many memories he created, especially with his children, whom he cherished deeply. He leaves behind a lasting impact on all who knew him, remembered not only for his love of family, faith, and the outdoors, but for his remarkable achievements both on and off the field. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Survivors include his daughter, Mackenzie Andrus Berzas, his sons, Mitch Andrus, Jordan Andrus, 9 Grandchildren, siblings, Barbara Hoffpauir (Donald), Roland Andrus (Jean), Carol Pharr (Frank Vienne), Loretta Hornsby, Joy Hopkins (Harry). Cotton was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Bruce, and Jessie Eula Richard Andrus, his sister, Vivian Lucille Curtis, one niece, Christa Sonnier, sister-in-law, Patricia Smith Andrus, brothers-in-law, Robert "Bob" Pharr, and Robert C. Hornsby. Pallbearers will be David Broussard, Brayden Broussard, Thomas Andrus, Kamden Berzas, Mitch Andrus, and Jordan Andrus. The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne LA on Tuesday December 17, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Wednesday December 18, 2024, from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141. Gossen Funeral Home, Inc.

Thomas Gerald (Cotton) Andrus

October 26, 1947 - December 13, 2024