Mr. Cordes was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1974-1978, and he retired with the rank of Sergeant. While serving his country, Mr. Cordes was stationed at El Toro Airbase, Irvine, CA. In addition, he served a tour in Okinawa, Japan off of the USS Midway. While in Japan, he was a Golden Gloves Boxer for the USMC, and his boxing title was “Sunny-Co”. Mr. Cordes was awarded the National Defense Ribbon; Badge for Rifle Sharpshooter; Commendation of Meritorious Mast and a Good Conduct Medal. He was a long standing member of the American Legion, Glenn S. Loomis Post 332 of Batavia.
Mr. Cordes was the owner and operator of Andy’s Auto Service in Batavia, serving the community for almost 30 years. He was known by his customers as a fair and honest businessman. He had a passion for fixing anything and everything, and he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a great love for the outdoors.
He is survived by his former wife and love of his life, Valerie Cordes and their children: Marc (Lauren) Cordes of East Bethany, Angela (Brian Gildner) Cordes of Byron, Christine Cordes of Batavia and Kelly Cordes (Ron) Goodheart of Batavia. Siblings: Liz (John) Machala, his twin sister Mary K. Cordes, Mike (Cindy) Cordes, and Cheri Hodges. Grandchildren: CJ Anderson, Jayden Hughes, Harley and Nora Gildner, Hayven, Haylee and Holden Cordes, Aiyana and Devon Masterson. Nieces and nephews: Amy Lynn Brown, Mikey (Sarah) Hodges, Ethan and AJ Cordes and Charlie Fite. Great nieces and nephews, Cameron Smith, Derek Machala, Korina and Eryk Hodges.
Like every USMC Veteran, he lived by the standard: “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”
Family and friends are cordially invited to share memories, condolences and thoughts on Monday from 2-4pm & 7-9pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave, Batavia. A funeral service will be Tuesday, 2pm at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will be Thursday, 1pm at Grand View Cemetery, Batavia, NY.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.
