Robert (Bob) Bruce Andry
Feb. 8, 1937 – Feb. 10, 2022
Robert (Bob) Bruce Andry, 85, left his earthly journey on Feb. 10, 2022 to begin a new adventure.
He was born on Feb. 8, 1937 in Madison, Indiana to E. Robert and Oma Andry (both deceased).
His beloved wife of 63 years, best friend and childhood sweetheart, Kae, was by his side at the time of his departure. As in so much of his life, Kae assisted him in fulfilling his most fervent last wish which was to die in the home he designed and built. His childhood was spent in Westfield, Ind., where he made lifelong friends, became a proud Eagle Scout, played center on the basket team and graduated from Westfield High school in 1955.
Mr. Andry was the proud father of Robert S. Andry (Karen), Laurie Augusta and Elizabeth Baker (Clay); grandchildren Nathaniel (Brett) Black, Shayna Black, Amber Baker, Alex Baker, Kristina (Zak) Taylor and great grandchildren Edwin Andry and Brianna Taylor. Most of them caught their first fish and took their first boat ride with him.
His life was filled with adventure and accomplishments. After High School the next 20 years were filled with unique opportunities to serve our country in the U.S. Navy. He spent 12 years in the groundbreaking Polaris nuclear missile test program at Cape Canaveral designing and building test equipment on the USS Observation Island. Being part of the development of submarine launched nuclear missiles was an exciting time for many brilliant sailors. Being part of the Polaris program and his role in protecting our country filled him with pride. He retired in 1975 obtaining the rank of Navy Chief.
Mr. Andry was the ultimate “do-it-yourselfer” and never stopped teaching himself new things. During his retirement years he and his family took a wild area along the Rodman Reservoir and built his dream home. It is on a cliff overlooking the Reservoir and is a structure of beauty and uniqueness to all who visit and are lucky enough to call it home. His service to mankind continued as he became the neighborhood “go to” guy who was always willing to help.
Mr. Andry’s love of nature propelled him to his next adventure which was forming the organization Save Rodman Reservoir. He and his neighbors spent many decades working tirelessly to share his knowledge of the reservoir and to protect the natural resources of the area.
The appreciation he had for nature also spurred him to become an accomplished artist with oils. His Christmas cards were a print of one of his many paintings and were appreciated and collected by all fortunate to receive them.
Mr. Andry’s passing has left a big hole in the lives of his family and his friends. We were blessed to know and love him. Faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love.
Please honor Mr. Andry’s memory with a donation to the Liz McGrath Circle for their work and the support of the children of the community. Donations can be sent Liz McGrath Circle, 23147 NE 160th Road, Fort McCoy, Fla., 32134. Arrangements under the care of Countryside Funeral Home.