Andrew McNinch Obituary

ANDREW FRED MCNINCH

September 22, 1958 – January 10, 2026

Andrew McNinch of Bakersfield was born on September 22, 1958, to his loving parents, Hazen ("Mac") and Joan McNinch. He grew up as the middle of five children and lived the majority of his life in Taft, California. Andrew was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Christopher McNinch; his sister, Lorraine; and his in-laws, Charley and Ruth Little, as well as his brother-in-law, Dan Little, and sister-in-law, Robin Little.

Andrew is survived by his loving wife of nearly 45 years, Christy McNinch; his two sons, Zachary McNinch (Stephanie) and Anthony McNinch (Lauren); and his beloved grandchildren, Reese and Luke (Zachary), and Mason and Piper (Anthony). He is also survived by his sisters, Stacey Curschman (Dave), Amy McNinch (Tod Covarrubias), and Melissa Christensen (Daryl); his sister-in-law, Charla Little; and his brother-in-law, Mark Little.

Andy grew up in Taft as the middle child in a loving household. His childhood was spent outdoors, playing any sport he could with his older brother Chris and older sister Stacey. Naturally athletic, those early skills carried into his high school years, where sports continued to be an important part of his life. When his younger sisters, Amy and Melissa, were born, Andy quickly took on the role of protector, making sure any future love interest knew they had to go through him first. That same protective instinct defined him as a father – Andrew was strongly devoted to his family and always made sure they were cared for and safe.

Andrew graduated from Taft Union High School in 1976, where he was a tremendous athlete, earning All-League honors in all three sports he played – football, basketball, and baseball. His lifelong love of sports was something he passed down to his sons, and together they bonded over Ohio State football, the Green Bay Packers, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

After high school, Andrew attended Taft College and Cuesta College before beginning work with Contel Phone Company, where he reconnected with Christy, a fellow Taft Union High School graduate. Christy was Andrew's whole world – his rock and his best friend. They were married on Valentine's Day in 1981 and began their family with the birth of their first son, Zachary, in 1984, followed by Anthony in 1986.

Andrew began a 34-year career in the oil industry at Elk Hills, retiring in 2014 as a highly respected Well Analyst. While he was proud of his career, Andrew valued being a husband, father, and papa above all else. He was deeply involved in his sons' lives, coaching Little League baseball and JFL football. Sundays were often spent at the baseball fields throwing countless hours of batting practice, followed by a stop at 11C Market for meat he would barbecue and ice cream from Dari Delight. Summers were marked by cherished two-week road trips to Texas to visit Toledo Bend Lake and spend time with Christy's parents, Charley and Delinor "Ruth" Little – whom he always called Charles Lee and Delinor.

Andrew's greatest priority in life was ensuring his family was taken care of. As his sons approached the end of high school, he promised them a college education and often said, "The next four years will determine what you do for the next forty." Having not completed college himself, Andrew wanted more opportunities for his sons. He insisted that their job was school, and he and Christy paid for their education in full. Zachary and Anthony understood what a gift this was and honored it. Andrew was incredibly proud of the men his sons became and loved his daughters-in-law, often saying he finally had daughters of his own.

Andrew especially adored his grandchildren. Known affectionately as "Papa," he was a constant presence in their lives – attending sporting events and school functions, and helping with daily pick-ups and drop-offs. He always made sure he was available whenever he was needed to care for his grandchildren. They loved him dearly.

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, a biopsy revealed that Andrew had stage IV pancreatic cancer. His passing on January 10, 2026, has been a profound loss to his family.

In accordance with Andrew's wishes, no funeral service will be held. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff and nurses at Adventist Health and Hoffmann Hospice for their exceptional care and support. The family would also like to thank Dr. Ronnie Claiborne for serving as Andrew's primary care physician for decades – your dedication and care, along with that of your staff, have always meant so much to our family.

www.bakersfield.com/obits