Andrew John Urban

Andrew John Urban, known affectionately as "Andy," passed away at his home in Antonino, Kansas on June 2, 2024. He left behind a legacy filled with love, passion, and remarkable accomplishments.

Born in Hays, Kansas on June 20, 1955 to Walter J. and Irene Diane (Pfeifer) Urban, Andy led a fulfilling life that was marked by his dedication to his career in aerospace. He embarked on a distinguished journey with Northrop Grumman and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California where he made significant contributions to the field. Another big part of Andy's life was the 12 years he spent managing/part owner of a small restaurant chain in CA called Greenhouse Cafe.

Beyond his professional achievements, Andy cherished moments spent with his family. He was a devoted husband to Jennifer Urban, whom he married in Miami, Florida on June 7, 1976. Together, they raised their children: Cody (Heather) of Wilsonville, Oregon and Brett (Jon) of Chico, California. Andy's love extended to his grandchildren as well.

A man of many interests, Andy found joy in collecting and categorizing baseball cards and passionately supporting sports teams like the Green Bay Packers, Kansas Jayhawks, and the Kansas City Royals. His enthusiasm for sports also led him to be a loyal fan of LA teams such as the Dodgers and the Lakers.

Andy enjoyed peaceful living out in the country and for the last 13 years he raised and sold feeder pigs, selling almost entirely to local farmers (usually repeat customers) who raised the feeder pigs to sell at market weight. Many repeat customers stated that his pigs were the best.

Andy's warm personality and sharp mind were evident to all who knew him. He had a mathematical aptitude instilled by his father during his youth which stayed with him throughout his life.

In addition to his immediate family, Andy is survived by his sisters, Kim Eastman (Fred) of Palm Desert, California and Melissa Schyler of Tillamook, Oregon; his grandchildren, Lysander, Stellan and Azalea. As well as his three cats who also brought much joy into his life. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter J. Urban and Irene Diane (Pfeifer) Urban and sister Deborah Joy Yell.

A memorial service in honor of Andy's life will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, June 20, 2024,  at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory located at 2509 Vine St in Hays, Kansas. Memorial visitation will be at 9:00 AM until service time. Friends and family are encouraged to wear Kansas City Royals Blue to his services.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed on the Keithley Funeral Homes Facebook page accessed at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com, select resources then select Facebook Live. 

Memorial contributions in Andy's memory are suggested to Hays Christian Church.

Andy will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Street Hays, KS 67601.

Memories and words of comfort may be left on Andy's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com