Andrew Roy Ross

August 16, 1949 - June 27, 2023

Andrew Roy Ross was born on August 16, 1949 in Laurel, NE. He was the middle of five sons born to Paul LeRoy Ross and Alice Moore Ross. Andy's formative years were in Odebolt, IA and he graduated with the class of 1967. He then went to college at Wayne State College but didn't graduate as he volunteered for the Army.

Andy served with the US Army 18th Military Police Brigade during the Vietnam War providing security for the Saigon docks. There he met his friend Jim Anderberg, a member of the 458th Sea Tigers (PBR) attached to the 18th MP Brigade. Andy's duties included standing at a security gate while PBR soldiers, with specialized training, patrolled the waterways of central Vietnam and the Mekong Delta. Andy didn't know that in addition to regular US Army training, PBR soldiers endured an additional six weeks of challenging training provided by the US Navy Special Boat Unit Eleven on Mare Island in central California's San Pablo Bay. Not to be deterred once he made up his mind, Andy asked Jim Anderberg, whom he did not know then, "How do you get on those boats?" While Andy did not know Jim Anderberg, Jim recognized Andy's voice immediately.

Andy had arrived in Vietnam sometime earlier when Jim returned for a second tour. They both rode in a convoy on Highway One toward Saigon Harbor. Jim sat at the front of the deuce-and-a-half behind the cab, Andy sat at the rear. Anybody who has ridden in the back of a deuce and a half knows it's a tough ride. To make it worse, it was monsoon season. The rain was torrential and non-stop, as was Andy's mouth. Jim hunkered beneath his helmet and poncho, thinking, who is that new guy? Someone tell him to shut up! And then Andy uttered the magic words that sealed both young men's fate: Wadena Rock Concert.

By God's strange planning in 1970, Andy and Jim attended the same small rock concert at Wadena, Iowa. Andy was going to Vietnam, and his buddies made sure he had a memorable sending-off. Jim was returning to Vietnam for a second deployment, passing through Iowa, and visiting friends when he and a buddy attended the concert.

There they were, staring at each other in hell's paradise, eight thousand, five hundred and forty-eight miles from Wadena, Iowa.

"Well?" Andy persisted.

Jim told him to get on board the Army way, bluff. So, between Jim's bluffing and Andy's bluffing, Andy served as a gunner for a short period on Jim's PBR.

In 1972 Andy met and married Lydia, his bride of fifty years, in Phoenix, AZ. From there they traveled the Southwest and lived in multiple states including: TX, OK, AZ, WA, CA and finally settled in Dallas, TX. Andy enjoyed the outdoors and provided for his family with his hands by working in construction and roofing. He was the original Handy Andy and Rosco Roofer. He could fix anything, including auto mechanics, so if he couldn't do it the first time, he'd sure do his best to find a work around. Thus, he had a lot of creative inventions and plans for his unfinished projects – including wanting to weld his own urn.

Andy worked hard and as he got older was able to enjoy recreational activities. He always loved Elvis Presley and used to blast the Oldies' Station and listen to Talk Radio, much 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 thoroughly enjoyed his acting and singing role at the Spokane Civic Theater. He then made it a priority to attend as many of his grandchildren's performances and activities as possible.

Andy always admired and was fascinated by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco; he would take any and all visitors there when they lived in CA. When he moved to Dallas he would take visitors to the Grassy Knoll, another of his favorite subjects: President John F. Kennedy.
As Andy aged, it became more important to reconnect with his fellow Vietnam veterans. He volunteered locally as a North Texas Patriot Guard Rider and also flew to many of his comrades reunions and funerals. Andy never shared his stories of the war. He went to the Vietnam Wall many times and once even rode motorcycles from CA to DC with the Rolling Thunder. It was especially meaningful to Andy as he rode with his son Jon, daughter-in-law Sara, and lifelong friend, and veteran, Jim (& Naomi) Anderberg. Andy was a proud patriot who wanted to support all of our men and women in the military, most especially his own family: Sean B, Paul B, Jon, Chelsea, Rick, Sean M, Cameron, and Trey.

Andy's life was shortened by Glioblastoma Metforme, a brain cancer likely caused by exposure to Agent Orange. He fought ardently and never gave up hope nor complained when he went through his treatments. He was at home when he passed on June 27, 2023.

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. He is preceded in death by both parents and his two elder brothers: Joe and Paul Ross. Andy is survived by his brothers Tom (Lora) and Tim (Ruthie), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and outlaws.

In lieu of flowers, Andy would appreciate contributions to continue honoring fellow veterans with the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders at: www.NorthTxPGR.org
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Andy Ross ~ Funeral Itinerary ~ Wednesday, August 16, 2023
10am-10:45am Funeral Jeter & Son Funeral Home 4830 W Illinois Ave
Dallas, TX 75211

IMMEDIATELY following is the processional to the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery accompanied by the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders.
11am-11:45am OUTDOOR Committal Service with Military Honors*** Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery
2000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, TX 75211

12pm-4pm(ish) Join us for a provided lunch. American Legion
2804 S Cockrell Hill Rd
Dallas, TX 75211
We'd love to hear your stories about Andy.
There is an attended bar for those who wish to imbibe. (Cash/Cards accepted).

*** For those who cannot attend the 30-minute OUTDOOR flag presentation ceremony due to 100+ degree heat, the American Legion will open at 11am.

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