Aaron Robert Essig

Aaron Robert Essig departed this life at the age of 30 on December 26, 2016. He was born June 14, 1986 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Maribeth Criss Essig of Indianapolis, Indiana and Donald K. Essig of Orlando, Florida.

He was a 2004 graduate of Lawrence North High School and attended Ball State University before his illness. He was an Assistant Facilitator at Outside the Box, and an active member of Christ Church Cathedral, where he served as a Stephen Minister and a Lay Eucharistic Visitor. He was Head Chorister in the Cathedral’s Men and Boys’ Choir and was privileged to have the opportunity to perform in various cathedrals in the U.S. and throughout Europe.

He is survived by his parents, sister Mallory Essig of Indianapolis, brother Matthew (Jessica) Essig of Sorrento, Florida and half-sister Carey (Ray) Tyner of Palm Coast, Florida. He also leaves to cherish his memory his beloved niece, Melanie Grace Essig, aunts Julie Summers of Santa Monica, California, Marilyn Bassett of New Castle, Indiana, Yvonne (Corwin) Henderson of Cincinnati, Ohio; uncles Robert (Sherry) Essig of Bozeman, Montana, William Criss and Vernon (Pamela) Criss of New Castle, I...[more]

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ana; and numerous cousins.

He loved playing the djembe in drum circles, attending Indiana Pacer and Colts games, Legos, listening to his favorite band 311, and his beautiful cat, Lucy. Throughout all his health challenges, he maintained many layers of interests, social consciousness, strength, and courage that inspired others. He had an impact on everyone he met, sharing his beautiful soul and kind heart unselfishly. He never let physical constraints define him - he lived life to the fullest.

We will celebrate Aaron’s life on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 125 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations in Aaron’s name be made to The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University, (The Ohio State University Foundation, 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43221; Attention: Gift Processing).

Our thanks to the nurses and doctors at the James Cancer Center and IU North Hospital for their care and compassion over the years.