Andrew Richard Mader

Andrew Richard Mader, the youngest child of Monace Lucille Hakes and Bernard Michael Mader was born on December 2, 1961, at Selfridge AFB. He was baptized at St. Peter Catholic Church in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

He attended school in Mayetta, Kansas before moving to Chandler, Arizona where he graduated from Seton Catholic High School. Andy was an active Boy Scout and earned his Eagle in Scouting. He studied Telecommunications at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.

He left the University to join the Navy in 1983. He spent 10 years in the Navy as a communications specialist. He was stationed in a number of places including Florida, South Carolina and Turkey.

Andy was a very talented musician and singer. He became JD Nash. JD Nash & Red Circle were a Topeka, Kansas band from 2007-2010. Two albums were released, “So There I Was” and “Get Off My Lawn.” His music often reflected his love for Native Americans.

He had many interests. He was Editor-in-Chief at American Blues Scene, Master of Ceremony at Baby Dolls, former host at Blues Influence on the radio and On-Air Personality at WREN Digital Media. He was passionate about the injustices inflicted on Native American tribes and individuals. He loved children and spent many hours planning auctions and other fundraising activities to raise money for Toys for Tots. A friend Beki Winter-Fox described him as a gentle friend and a warrior that knew no end to love, honor, dignity, compassion and loyalty. Many have described him as a father figure who played a very important role in their lives.

Andy developed problems with his lungs, kidney and liver and was hospitalized several times since the beginning of December. He was admitted to the VA Hospital in Topeka on the 2^nd of July. When his condition worsened, he was sent to the VA Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. His condition continued to deteriorate and died surrounded by family and loved ones on July 5^th.

Andy is survived by his wife, Renee Whatley, sister, Jacqueline Hays, and brother, Michael Mader. Andy loved and is loved by a number of children, stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

His life will be celebrated on July 12^th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Ave., Topeka, KS 66616. The Rosary will begin at 9:40 A.M., followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. His remains will be interred at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hoyt, KS following the Mass. There will be lunch served at the church following the burial.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Andy’s memorial webpage at www.brennanmathenafh.com.