Andrew Argeanas

Andrew (Andy) Theodore Argeanas, of Anthony, New Mexico, and formerly El Paso, Texas, died Tuesday, 10 June 2014, at his home of natural causes at the age of 92. With him were his wife, Christine, and son, Theodore. Born in Trinchera Colorado, July 29, 1921, to Theodore and Angelina Argeanas. He served during World War II as a 81-mm mortar section leader in the 1st Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment (Paddy's Gang), 9th Infantry Division. Andy saw action as part of the division in the landings in North Africa and the Battle of El Guettar, through the invasion of Sicily and landings on Utah Beach in Normandy. Coincidentally, his death was on the 70th anniversary (to the day) of his landing on Utah Beach on D+4. Andy subsequently fought with the division through the liberation of Cherbourg, France, and the American breakout at St. Lo. Andy fought in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest and Battle of the Bulge and was with the regiment as one of the first units to cross into Germany and ended in Dessau, Germany, where U.S. forces met Russian forces from the Eastern Front. Returning to the United States, Andy joined the New Mexico State Police before serving as police chief in Grants, New Mexico. Andy then joined U.S. government as a courier AEC in 1962 until 1967. Following his AEC career, Andy attended Ohio State University and Joined the USDA, where he retired in 1989 as the USDA West Texas / Southern New Mexico Regional Inspector. Andy enjoyed his retirement with family and friends while working a small farm in Anthony, raising (among other things) alfalfa and pecans. Andy was an active in Orthodox churches throughout his life. He was a lifetime member of the Scottish Rite Masons, attaining 32nd degree, and was a key member of the Belen, New Mexico, Bethlehem Lodge 56 in reconstruction of the lodge following the fire of 1954. Andy is survived by his loving wife, Christine Argeanas, his daughter and son-in-law Angela and John Ryan, two sons, Theodore (Ted) and Kosta (Gus) Argeanas, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Andy is also survived by his sister Esther Auld and John Argeanas of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2014 from 6 to 9 p.m. with Trisagion service at 7 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Drive, in El Paso, Texas 79912. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 16, 2014, at 12:30 p.m. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 120 N. Festival Drive, El Paso, Texas 79912, officiated by the Rev. George Al-Dehneh. Andy will then be interred at the Fort Bliss U.S. Army National Cemetery on Monday, June 16, 2014, entry time 2:30 p.m., to rest with his beloved Army soldiers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church or to the charity of your choice. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 North Resler Drive, El Paso, Texas 79912.www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com.