Andrew Roy Ross was born Aug. 16, 1949, in Laurel. He was the middle son of five boys born to Paul L. Ross and Alice Moore Ross. Andy’s formative years were in Odebolt, Iowa, and he graduated with the Odebolt-Arthur High School class of 1967. Andy attended Wayne State College, Wayne. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969, and was deployed to Vietnam. Andy served with the 18th Military Police Brigade and also served as a gunner on a Patrol Boat River (PBR) on the Mekong Delta. Upon completing his tour of duty, Andy returned to the U.S. in 1971.

In 1972, Andy met and married Lydia, his bride of 50 years, in Phoenix. From there, they traveled the Southwest and lived in multiple states, including Oklahoma, Arizona, Washington, California, and finally settled in Dallas.

Andy enjoyed the outdoors and provided for his family with his hands by working in construction and roofing.

Andy enjoyed Elvis Presley, oldies, and talk radio, sometimes to his children’s annoyance. He loved singing and once recorded a Christmas carol album that he sent out in lieu of Christmas cards. He enjoyed his acting and singing role at the Spokane Civic Theater, and made it a priority to attend as many of his grandchildren’s performances and activities as possible.

Andy admired the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and often took visitors there when they lived in California. When Andy moved to Dallas, he took visitors to Dealey Plaza, site of the John F. Kennedy assassination.

Andy stayed connected with his fellow Vietnam veterans, volunteering as a North Texas Patriot Guard Rider and traveling to many of his comrades’ reunions and funerals. Andy visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., many times, and once rode a motorcycle from California to D.C. with the Rolling Thunder, joined by his son, Jon, daughter-in-law, Sara, and lifelong friend, and veteran, Jim (Naomi) Anderberg. Andy was a proud patriot, who supported all of our men and women in the military, especially those of his own family.

Andy’s life was shortened by Glioblastoma Multiforme, a brain cancer possibly caused by exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He fought ardently and never gave up hope or complained about his treatments.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents and his elder brothers, Joe and Paul R. Ross.

Andy is survived by his wife, Lydia Ross; their four children, Rebekah Bos (Sean), Joshua Ross, Nathaniel Ross, and Jonathon Ross (Sara); their four grandchildren, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Aidan Bos and Damien Ross; his brothers, Tom (Lora), Loon Lake, Wash., and Tim (Ruthie), Denver, Colo.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and outlaws.

Andy Ross