"Elaine and Family, please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss our cousin Andy very much. He was always so much fun to be around. Now he knows complete peace. With all our sympathy, Ceil , Joe, Diana, Laura, and Nick "
Andrew ?Andy? Carson, 62 of Indianapolis departed this life August 3, 2010. He was born January 27, 1948 to the late James F. and Isabelle (O?Maley) Carson. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1966 and went on to play football at Butler University graduating in 1971. He was self-employed for 25 years with Andy Carson Insurance and spent the last several years working with the Shepherd Insurance and Financial Services. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jan Carson Stuckey. Andy is survived by his wife of 39 years, Elaine Ross Carson along with their children, Matthew Carson, Keeley (Jon) Cooke, Megan (Josh) Stayton and Grace Carson, brother Chris (Bridget) Carson and five grandchildren, Emma, William and Andi Stayton, Shannon and Carson Cooke. A Mass o of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday August 7th at 10 am in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, of which he was a member. Family and friends will gather Friday
from 4-8 pm in the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel. You are invited to visit www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Andy, sign the guest book or arrange for memorial contribution to Washington Township Special Olympics, Bishop Chatard High School or St. Joan of Arc.
"Elaine and Family, please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss our cousin Andy very much. He was always so much fun to be around. Now he knows complete peace. With all our sympathy, Ceil , Joe, Diana, Laura, and Nick "
"My heart broke when I heard the news from my sister, Shannon. Our prayers are with the Carson family. When I think of Mr. Carson, I think of two things immediately.1. "COACH" -- he as my football coach for 4 years at IHM and we had some great times learning the game from him and Coach Vannice. I can just see him taping up our 2/3 stripers' helmets with royal blue tape.2. "DRIVER" -- I remember several snowy nights as he dragged Matt & I on a tow rope & sled behind the blue Chevette all over Forest Hills. They'd probably call Child Protective Services today...but it was so much fun! I think he had more fun than we did. A great man who will be greatly missed..."
"Steve and I send our condolences to you. As one of the second tier of OMaley cousins, I always saw Andy as bigger and fearless. The one story to share is that when Andy and Jan were really young they went with my dad (Jude) to my grandparent's farm. When introduced to a huge flock of chickens, Andy wanted to leave RIGHT then. In fact, you may have pictures of that event. "
"Elaine and Family:Andy Carson was one of my favorite people. He was a great personality always with a big smile and something funny to say. He was a competitor and a selfless teammate. I enjoyed our years together on Cathedral's baseball team. He brought a lot to this world and his presence will be missed. You have my deep sympathy for your loss."
"The best to Elaine and her children, to Chris and Bridget and their children. I remember Andy with joy."
"The greatest storyteller of all times has left us and all who knew Andy will miss his larger than life presence. We grieve with you.Marc & Martha Horvath"
"Andy and family, Butler's 1969 football team co-captain, I am so grateful that Bob Brock and Al Holok and I got to visit with you a few weeks ago. I hadn't seen Andy since Butler. In 1965 before my senior year at Warren Central and Andy at Cathedral we went to Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp in New York and became friends.He was a great leader and fierce player in football. It was obvious, during our visit, that Andy showed great courage and love of family and friends. My deepest sympathy and condolences to Elaine and family. "
"My condolences to the entire Carson Family. My thoughtful prayers go out to you all. I will remember all the fun times Andy hosted, and all the Coca-Cola things he loved....walking to his old office in Broadripple with Megan and just stoppin in to say "hi". Good memories from my childhood. Much love and prayers."
"Elaine and family, my prayers are with you during this time. Andy was a great friend as we were growing up and know through family that he fought a great battle in the end with dignity and laughter. God Bless. "
"I remember his voice. He had a distinct voice and laugh. Nothing like having he and Mr. Ross coach my Haverford Sr league baseball team. He was a good friend to all of Matt's friends. I still remember seeing him at the Nancrede race party, sitting on the porch, enjoying a beer with friends. What a great guy. I'm going to miss him at the SJA French Market! He always made that day of food, friends and secret college football a total blast!Best to the rest of you Carsons. Losing him will always be hard, but having a dad/husband who made such an impression on so many people is a great thing to have had."
"Elaine, Matt, Keeley, Megan, and Grace:I'm so very sorry for your loss. Though I did not know Mr. Carson well, my memories of him are certainly fond ones. What comes immediately to mind is (after receiving assurances from Keeley that the whole operation was completely safe and that nobody had ever been killed) getting dragged on a sled and tow rope behind a car with Mr. Carson at the wheel. After watching the streets of Forest Hills whizz by for probably less than a minute, I wound up firmly planted in a neighbor's shrub. Once he had ascertained that I was still alive, Mr. Carson had a good laugh at my expense. I'm sure that I have never had more fun "sledding." I'm certainly grateful for that memory, among others. My best to all of you; you are and will be in my thoughts."
"Dear Elaine & Gracie -- Swimming and bowling practices will not be the same without Andy there to greet everyone. He was every Special Olympian's biggest fan! His hearty laugh and BIG smile made all the athletes feel so special. His zest for life was very inspiring. Love to all --Art, Sue & Lin"
"What a wonderful friend who will be greatly missed. Andy was my daughter's first baseball coach at North Meridian Methodist. He always called her Steph. When Steph had a conflict with Brownies and a baseball game she came running out of the car and Coach Carson immediately put her on the baseball field, Brownie uniform and all. I still laugh at all of the six year olds wearing their little shorts and Stephanie in her Brownie uniform and baseball mitt. Even as a young woman, he always wanted to know what 'Steph' was up to. God bless you and your family. "
"Dear Elaine and family- I was shocked this morning to read the news about Andy. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family during this challenging time. Throughout our lives, people come and go. Unfortunately, we have not stayed in touch, however, the time spent with our young families on Guilford Avenue will remain in my heart forever. Raising babies, cleaning our porches for the summer and enjoying tuna or egg salad EVERY SINGLE DAY are some of my favorite memories. Our husbands laughing at our antics, always. Andy was a wonderful husband, father and friend. May the life you shared together be a comfort to you, Elaine. I know you have a great support system in your children and friends.Love, Kathy Ladavac"
"Andy was a good golfing buddy with my dad, he always came home with great stories. Andy will be missed at the hardware store also, when he and Gracie would walk in the door it was instant fun."
"Sorry for your lost, Megan and Josh. We are near by if you need anything."
"Dear Ones--How I will miss Andy!!!!! No more bear hugs and his handsome, smiling face. Thank you, dear Gracie, for bringing all of us back into a very special friendship.I love you.K"
"Dear Grace and family- we were so sorry to learn of your dad's death. We will always think of his laugh and his BIG smile, and how proud he always was of you, Grace, in all of your Special Olympics activities. He will remain in many people's thoughts, prayers and hearts for a long, long time. Wish we were in town to tell you in person, but we hope that knowing how many people care about your dad and all of you will be of some comfort.Love, Julie and family"
"It would be impossible to select a favorite memory of Mr. Carson (aka Big Drew) as I have so many dating all the way back to when Keel and I first became friends in '79. I echo Rob's sentiments of tobagganing behind the navy hatchback in Forest Hills and of him as Coach of the Warriors. Keel and I had the best time at those games. Here are a few more to make the family smile...He rescued me from the grips of Baskin Robbins to spend the last few weeks of summer at Wawasee in the early 90's. I can still see him popping us popcorn in the kitchen on Guilford singing Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog before movie night in the basement - he'd always lay sideways on the giant pillows. I still even adored him after he made me paint the fence on Guilford in payment for breaking the upstairs window in my attempt at impersonating a southern belle. He is the only adult who always greeted me by my last name. I will miss hearing him call it out. love to you all, sfq"
"Elaine,I am sorry to hear about Andy's death. I was not aware of the severity of his health problems. David Cornelius called to let me know. I am sure this is a very difficult time for you and your family. I offer my thoughts and prayers. "
"Elaine and Family,Andy was always the guy I wanted to pay an agency visit with. We would always laugh, tell stories and even manage to get a little work in. His sense of devotion to you and the family was always foremost in his mind. What a wonderful husband and father he was and when you see the brightest star in the sky, it will be Andy winking down at all of you! "
"We were so sorry to read the news about Andy in the paper this morning. We have fond memories of Andy from our days at IHM and Haverford. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carson family."
"We send our condolences and prayers to all the Carson Family. Mr. Carson was always such a fun loving person to be around and always kept everyone laughing. He will be missed greatly by all. "
"Andy Carson and I attended Cathedral and played football together for four wonderful years. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. He was an upstanding guy; well liked and respected by all. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family."
"Dear Elaine, We were such lucky people to have you as neighboors, it so added to my whole families life. Your friendship, the laughter, and Andy's fun loving personality made each day always have a bright sopt. My love and prayers to you and all the children. "
"Andy was a friend and mentor in the High School days. In our early 20's we had fun playing Flag Football in the Indy Parks dept league.Elaine, my sincere condolonces to you and your family. Andy was a good man.Tom"
"For Andy-http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid10172910001?bctid=234593160001"
"Dear Elaine and Family,Mary and I are saddened to learn of Andy's death. We have nothing but fond memories of Andy both as an insurance agent and more importantly a great guy. We still have great memories of us as young families living on Guilford and Carrollton many moons ago.I still laugh when I remember the call I made to Andy when my car insurance rates went up as the kids started driving. He told me that 1 in 1 male and 1 in 2 females would be in an accident in their first year of driving. All there of our kids got in accidents in their first year... and he still kept us as customers!We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.Steve and Mary"
"Dear Elaine and Family:We were so sorry to hear of Andy's passing. He was a great guy who always carried a smile ans was fun to be around.I fondly recall the Cincy/Indy golf excursions, where we usually convinced the course to allow us to play as a "fivesome" made up of Andy, Jack, Steve, Dan and I. Those were great times, especially at the 19th hole.You have our deepest sympathy for your loss.Bob, Jennifer, Andrew and Brian Straus"
"Elaine and Family,I was very sad to hear about Andy's death.Andy was one of my very first friends when we went off to St Andrew's from the neighborhood together for first grade. I have wonderful memories of summer baseball and CYO football during those years together. When it was time for high school it was off again to dear old Cathedral.Last time I was Indianapolis I ran into Andy out at breakfast and we had a great visit together. During my work years in Indianapolis since Andy and I were in the same business we often had a chance to spend time together and even snuck out occasionally for some golf.I wish I could be at his funeral Mass to say goodbye to my old friend but distance and timing will not allow that. Saturday all of you and especially Andy will be in my thoughts and prayers. Andy was a great friend and a good man. I will miss him."
"Dear Elaine,Just wanted to tell you and the family how special Andy was to us. Al and I remember so many fun times with you and him. Parties, Church, Schools and Dinners.Andy was a man we respected and felt blessed to know.Please know our prayers are with you and the kids and grand children. We will hold Andy in our hearts filled with a lifetime of many memories."
"I remember growing up with andy and my borther Steve. Always loved his stories and smile. I escpecially remember taking road trips as the bat boy on their baeball teams. He always made me feel comfortable on those trips.Thoughts are with the Carson family."
"Elaine and Family,My deepest condolences for your loss. I have fond memories of Andy's welcoming smile and his infectious laughter.Tonia Carriger and Family"
"Elaine & family,,,I lived behind the carson home.We both went to ST ANDREWS , and later to CATHEDRAL. I have so many memories from so maney years. I only saw him a few times since then. Like many childhood friends we loose touch,,,wish i haden't...I feel that I lost a piece of myself...A piece of my past. i am sorry for your loss."
"Elaine,We didn't know about Andy until today, and our hearts are heavy hearing this news. How much we enjoyed and respected Andy! He was a help to us with our business and more than that he was such a friend. May you feel the continued love of friends. Marsha and Gregg"
"Elaine: Jack and I are so sorry for your loss and the loss for your children. Andy was alwys one of those guys who was just a little bigger than life. Out thoughts and prayers are with with, we are sorry we were not in town when the services were occuring so we did not have the opportunityto see you."
"Dear Ones--I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I were with you so that we could share memories. What a very lucky man to have had such a wonderful wife and special children.I love you.Kitzi Chotlos Love"