Obit as published on LIFESTORYNET.COM:
Andy Pygman was a man who believed in the incredible value of one's character and not just in theory, but in the way he carried himself each and every day. He was a true gentleman who served his country and within his community, leaving the world a better place through his efforts. It was no secret that his wife, with whom he shared more than 50 years, was the love of his life. The family they created together was not only his greatest source of pride and joy, but the greatest legacy he leaves behind.
The twenties were a great time to be an American as the prosperity that resulted from technology and innovation left business booming on nearly every front. People celebrated in many ways such as going to movies, throwing parties, or taking in a baseball game. This was a time of great joy in the family of Clyde and Mary (Rodgers) Pygman as they welcomed the birth of their son, Andy, on November 3, 1928. Andy was born in Bedford, Indiana, as the older of two children in his family. He was raised in Spencer, part of the Bloomington metropolitan area, but moved to Mooresville during his junior year of high school. It was as a high school student at Mooresville High School that Andy met the young girl with whom he would share an abiding love. She was a freshman named Martha Cronkhite, and they became acquainted in a rather unlikely way. Andy was actually dating her older sister and so when he called the Cronkhite home one evening and Martha answered, she asked him to hold for a moment while she went to get her sister. Andy informed Martha, however, that he was indeed calling for her instead, inviting her to a Spencer ball game that night. From that night forward, their lives would never be the same.
Andy went on to graduate from Mooresville High School in 1946 and over the next several years, Andy and Martha continued to date and fell deeply in love. They later married on August 30, 1952, in the Mooresville Christian Church, which was located on Harrison Street at the time. Andy and Martha were a good team who were blessed with five wonderful children over a period of 17 years. He unconditionally loved each of his children equally and was deeply proud of them, too. The family owned Pioneer Camper Center in Mooresville and were avid campers themselves. They went on many camping excursions all over the country together, as far away as Alaska. At times, they were joined by family or friends on various trips. Andy taught his children by example the value of integrity and strong character. Honor was of the utmost importance to Andy, and he also believed in always telling the truth.
The camper store, located on State Road 42, was a family affair as Martha worked there as much, if not more than Andy did. They sold Skamper campers and Martha often joked that even though she knew the business inside and out, some of the male customers preferred working only with Andy. Their business added the extra income they needed to put their children through college. In addition to the camping store, Andy worked for Indianapolis Power & Light Company for more than 42 years. He retired as a load dispatcher in 1990.
Although Andy's greatest love was spending time with his family, he enjoyed pursuing other interests as well. During his younger years, he loved being outdoors, particularly hunting. Andy was a member of various organizations in his community including the First United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge #78, and the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis. Andy served as president of the Mooresville Lions Club and for eight years as a Mooresville Town Councilman. He also proudly served in the Indiana National Guard for eight years. He enjoyed smoking his pipe for many years, at least until Andrea took a health class in sixth grade! Andy was very social, a friend to many in Mooresville, and especially enjoyed the time he spent in the euchre club. Although he never claimed to be a perfectionist, he was a firm believer in doing the job right the first time. Andy was meticulous about where he kept his tools and if you borrowed something, everyone knew they had had better make sure they put it back in its correct place. His favorite songs were "In the Mood" and "When the Saints Go Marching In."
Life became more of a challenge for Andy and his family when he began suffering from both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease several years ago. Because of Martha's unending love and support, Andy managed with these conditions very well. Sadly just six weeks ago, Andy fell and fractured his hip, which caused a decline in his health from which he was unable to recover.
In so many ways, the world is a better place because of Andy Pygman. He was kind, caring, and genuine as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and longtime member of his community. Andy dedicated himself to loving the family he treasured above all else and viewed his family as his greatest gift. He leaves behind lessons in strength, integrity, and compassion that will live on in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. Andy will be dearly missed by many.
Andy Pygman died on April 6, 2010, in St. Francis Hospital, Mooresville. Andy's family includes his wife, Martha Helen Pygman; son, David K. Pygman of Mooresville; daughters, Margaret Anne Neidigh of Fallon, Nevada, Gayle M. Mass (Tom) of Indianapolis, Eileen C. Jones (Bob) of Florence, Kentucky, Andrea L. Napier (Dave) of New Whiteland; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Andy was preceded in death by one brother, Malcolm Pygman. Friends and family will gather on Friday, April 9, 2010, from 3-8 p.m., in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2010, in the First United Methodist Church, 900 Indianapolis Road, Mooresville. Burial will be in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. Rev. Dennis Payton will officiate. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the First United Methodist Church.
Andy Pygman was a man who believed in the incredible value of one's character and not just in theory, but in the way he carried himself each and every day. He was a true gentleman who served his country and within his community, leaving the world a better place through his efforts. It was no secret that his wife, with whom he shared more than 50 years, was the love of his life. The family they created together was not only his greatest source of pride and joy, but the greatest legacy he leaves behind.
The twenties were a great time to be an American as the prosperity that resulted from technology and innovation left business booming on nearly every front. People celebrated in many ways such as going to movies, throwing parties, or taking in a baseball game. This was a time of great joy in the family of Clyde and Mary (Rodgers) Pygman as they welcomed the birth of their son, Andy, on November 3, 1928. Andy was born in Bedford, Indiana, as the older of two children in his family. He was raised in Spencer, part of the Bloomington metropolitan area, but moved to Mooresville during his junior year of high school. It was as a high school student at Mooresville High School that Andy met the young girl with whom he would share an abiding love. She was a freshman named Martha Cronkhite, and they became acquainted in a rather unlikely way. Andy was actually dating her older sister and so when he called the Cronkhite home one evening and Martha answered, she asked him to hold for a moment while she went to get her sister. Andy informed Martha, however, that he was indeed calling for her instead, inviting her to a Spencer ball game that night. From that night forward, their lives would never be the same.
Andy went on to graduate from Mooresville High School in 1946 and over the next several years, Andy and Martha continued to date and fell deeply in love. They later married on August 30, 1952, in the Mooresville Christian Church, which was located on Harrison Street at the time. Andy and Martha were a good team who were blessed with five wonderful children over a period of 17 years. He unconditionally loved each of his children equally and was deeply proud of them, too. The family owned Pioneer Camper Center in Mooresville and were avid campers themselves. They went on many camping excursions all over the country together, as far away as Alaska. At times, they were joined by family or friends on various trips. Andy taught his children by example the value of integrity and strong character. Honor was of the utmost importance to Andy, and he also believed in always telling the truth.
The camper store, located on State Road 42, was a family affair as Martha worked there as much, if not more than Andy did. They sold Skamper campers and Martha often joked that even though she knew the business inside and out, some of the male customers preferred working only with Andy. Their business added the extra income they needed to put their children through college. In addition to the camping store, Andy worked for Indianapolis Power & Light Company for more than 42 years. He retired as a load dispatcher in 1990.
Although Andy's greatest love was spending time with his family, he enjoyed pursuing other interests as well. During his younger years, he loved being outdoors, particularly hunting. Andy was a member of various organizations in his community including the First United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge #78, and the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis. Andy served as president of the Mooresville Lions Club and for eight years as a Mooresville Town Councilman. He also proudly served in the Indiana National Guard for eight years. He enjoyed smoking his pipe for many years, at least until Andrea took a health class in sixth grade! Andy was very social, a friend to many in Mooresville, and especially enjoyed the time he spent in the euchre club. Although he never claimed to be a perfectionist, he was a firm believer in doing the job right the first time. Andy was meticulous about where he kept his tools and if you borrowed something, everyone knew they had had better make sure they put it back in its correct place. His favorite songs were "In the Mood" and "When the Saints Go Marching In."
Life became more of a challenge for Andy and his family when he began suffering from both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease several years ago. Because of Martha's unending love and support, Andy managed with these conditions very well. Sadly just six weeks ago, Andy fell and fractured his hip, which caused a decline in his health from which he was unable to recover.
In so many ways, the world is a better place because of Andy Pygman. He was kind, caring, and genuine as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and longtime member of his community. Andy dedicated himself to loving the family he treasured above all else and viewed his family as his greatest gift. He leaves behind lessons in strength, integrity, and compassion that will live on in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. Andy will be dearly missed by many.
Andy Pygman died on April 6, 2010, in St. Francis Hospital, Mooresville. Andy's family includes his wife, Martha Helen Pygman; son, David K. Pygman of Mooresville; daughters, Margaret Anne Neidigh of Fallon, Nevada, Gayle M. Mass (Tom) of Indianapolis, Eileen C. Jones (Bob) of Florence, Kentucky, Andrea L. Napier (Dave) of New Whiteland; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Andy was preceded in death by one brother, Malcolm Pygman. Friends and family will gather on Friday, April 9, 2010, from 3-8 p.m., in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2010, in the First United Methodist Church, 900 Indianapolis Road, Mooresville. Burial will be in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. Rev. Dennis Payton will officiate. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the First United Methodist Church.
Obit as published on LIFESTORYNET.COM:
Andy Pygman was a man who believed in the incredible value of one's character and not just in theory, but in the way he carried himself each and every day. He was a true gentleman who served his country and within his community, leaving the world a better place through his efforts. It was no secret that his wife, with whom he shared more than 50 years, was the love of his life. The family they created together was not only his greatest source of pride and joy, but the greatest legacy he leaves behind.
The twenties were a great time to be an American as the prosperity that resulted from technology and innovation left business booming on nearly every front. People celebrated in many ways such as going to movies, throwing parties, or taking in a baseball game. This was a time of great joy in the family of Clyde and Mary (Rodgers) Pygman as they welcomed the birth of their son, Andy, on November 3, 1928. Andy was born in Bedford, Indiana, as the older of two children in his family. He was raised in Spencer, part of the Bloomington metropolitan area, but moved to Mooresville during his junior year of high school. It was as a high school student at Mooresville High School that Andy met the young girl with whom he would share an abiding love. She was a freshman named Martha Cronkhite, and they became acquainted in a rather unlikely way. Andy was actually dating her older sister and so when he called the Cronkhite home one evening and Martha answered, she asked him to hold for a moment while she went to get her sister. Andy informed Martha, however, that he was indeed calling for her instead, inviting her to a Spencer ball game that night. From that night forward, their lives would never be the same.
Andy went on to graduate from Mooresville High School in 1946 and over the next several years, Andy and Martha continued to date and fell deeply in love. They later married on August 30, 1952, in the Mooresville Christian Church, which was located on Harrison Street at the time. Andy and Martha were a good team who were blessed with five wonderful children over a period of 17 years. He unconditionally loved each of his children equally and was deeply proud of them, too. The family owned Pioneer Camper Center in Mooresville and were avid campers themselves. They went on many camping excursions all over the country together, as far away as Alaska. At times, they were joined by family or friends on various trips. Andy taught his children by example the value of integrity and strong character. Honor was of the utmost importance to Andy, and he also believed in always telling the truth.
The camper store, located on State Road 42, was a family affair as Martha worked there as much, if not more than Andy did. They sold Skamper campers and Martha often joked that even though she knew the business inside and out, some of the male customers preferred working only with Andy. Their business added the extra income they needed to put their children through college. In addition to the camping store, Andy worked for Indianapolis Power & Light Company for more than 42 years. He retired as a load dispatcher in 1990.
Although Andy's greatest love was spending time with his family, he enjoyed pursuing other interests as well. During his younger years, he loved being outdoors, particularly hunting. Andy was a member of various organizations in his community including the First United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge #78, and the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis. Andy served as president of the Mooresville Lions Club and for eight years as a Mooresville Town Councilman. He also proudly served in the Indiana National Guard for eight years. He enjoyed smoking his pipe for many years, at least until Andrea took a health class in sixth grade! Andy was very social, a friend to many in Mooresville, and especially enjoyed the time he spent in the euchre club. Although he never claimed to be a perfectionist, he was a firm believer in doing the job right the first time. Andy was meticulous about where he kept his tools and if you borrowed something, everyone knew they had had better make sure they put it back in its correct place. His favorite songs were "In the Mood" and "When the Saints Go Marching In."
Life became more of a challenge for Andy and his family when he began suffering from both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease several years ago. Because of Martha's unending love and support, Andy managed with these conditions very well. Sadly just six weeks ago, Andy fell and fractured his hip, which caused a decline in his health from which he was unable to recover.
In so many ways, the world is a better place because of Andy Pygman. He was kind, caring, and genuine as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and longtime member of his community. Andy dedicated himself to loving the family he treasured above all else and viewed his family as his greatest gift. He leaves behind lessons in strength, integrity, and compassion that will live on in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. Andy will be dearly missed by many.
Andy Pygman died on April 6, 2010, in St. Francis Hospital, Mooresville. Andy's family includes his wife, Martha Helen Pygman; son, David K. Pygman of Mooresville; daughters, Margaret Anne Neidigh of Fallon, Nevada, Gayle M. Mass (Tom) of Indianapolis, Eileen C. Jones (Bob) of Florence, Kentucky, Andrea L. Napier (Dave) of New Whiteland; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Andy was preceded in death by one brother, Malcolm Pygman. Friends and family will gather on Friday, April 9, 2010, from 3-8 p.m., in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2010, in the First United Methodist Church, 900 Indianapolis Road, Mooresville. Burial will be in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. Rev. Dennis Payton will officiate. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the First United Methodist Church.
Andy Pygman was a man who believed in the incredible value of one's character and not just in theory, but in the way he carried himself each and every day. He was a true gentleman who served his country and within his community, leaving the world a better place through his efforts. It was no secret that his wife, with whom he shared more than 50 years, was the love of his life. The family they created together was not only his greatest source of pride and joy, but the greatest legacy he leaves behind.
The twenties were a great time to be an American as the prosperity that resulted from technology and innovation left business booming on nearly every front. People celebrated in many ways such as going to movies, throwing parties, or taking in a baseball game. This was a time of great joy in the family of Clyde and Mary (Rodgers) Pygman as they welcomed the birth of their son, Andy, on November 3, 1928. Andy was born in Bedford, Indiana, as the older of two children in his family. He was raised in Spencer, part of the Bloomington metropolitan area, but moved to Mooresville during his junior year of high school. It was as a high school student at Mooresville High School that Andy met the young girl with whom he would share an abiding love. She was a freshman named Martha Cronkhite, and they became acquainted in a rather unlikely way. Andy was actually dating her older sister and so when he called the Cronkhite home one evening and Martha answered, she asked him to hold for a moment while she went to get her sister. Andy informed Martha, however, that he was indeed calling for her instead, inviting her to a Spencer ball game that night. From that night forward, their lives would never be the same.
Andy went on to graduate from Mooresville High School in 1946 and over the next several years, Andy and Martha continued to date and fell deeply in love. They later married on August 30, 1952, in the Mooresville Christian Church, which was located on Harrison Street at the time. Andy and Martha were a good team who were blessed with five wonderful children over a period of 17 years. He unconditionally loved each of his children equally and was deeply proud of them, too. The family owned Pioneer Camper Center in Mooresville and were avid campers themselves. They went on many camping excursions all over the country together, as far away as Alaska. At times, they were joined by family or friends on various trips. Andy taught his children by example the value of integrity and strong character. Honor was of the utmost importance to Andy, and he also believed in always telling the truth.
The camper store, located on State Road 42, was a family affair as Martha worked there as much, if not more than Andy did. They sold Skamper campers and Martha often joked that even though she knew the business inside and out, some of the male customers preferred working only with Andy. Their business added the extra income they needed to put their children through college. In addition to the camping store, Andy worked for Indianapolis Power & Light Company for more than 42 years. He retired as a load dispatcher in 1990.
Although Andy's greatest love was spending time with his family, he enjoyed pursuing other interests as well. During his younger years, he loved being outdoors, particularly hunting. Andy was a member of various organizations in his community including the First United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge #78, and the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis. Andy served as president of the Mooresville Lions Club and for eight years as a Mooresville Town Councilman. He also proudly served in the Indiana National Guard for eight years. He enjoyed smoking his pipe for many years, at least until Andrea took a health class in sixth grade! Andy was very social, a friend to many in Mooresville, and especially enjoyed the time he spent in the euchre club. Although he never claimed to be a perfectionist, he was a firm believer in doing the job right the first time. Andy was meticulous about where he kept his tools and if you borrowed something, everyone knew they had had better make sure they put it back in its correct place. His favorite songs were "In the Mood" and "When the Saints Go Marching In."
Life became more of a challenge for Andy and his family when he began suffering from both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease several years ago. Because of Martha's unending love and support, Andy managed with these conditions very well. Sadly just six weeks ago, Andy fell and fractured his hip, which caused a decline in his health from which he was unable to recover.
In so many ways, the world is a better place because of Andy Pygman. He was kind, caring, and genuine as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and longtime member of his community. Andy dedicated himself to loving the family he treasured above all else and viewed his family as his greatest gift. He leaves behind lessons in strength, integrity, and compassion that will live on in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. Andy will be dearly missed by many.
Andy Pygman died on April 6, 2010, in St. Francis Hospital, Mooresville. Andy's family includes his wife, Martha Helen Pygman; son, David K. Pygman of Mooresville; daughters, Margaret Anne Neidigh of Fallon, Nevada, Gayle M. Mass (Tom) of Indianapolis, Eileen C. Jones (Bob) of Florence, Kentucky, Andrea L. Napier (Dave) of New Whiteland; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Andy was preceded in death by one brother, Malcolm Pygman. Friends and family will gather on Friday, April 9, 2010, from 3-8 p.m., in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2010, in the First United Methodist Church, 900 Indianapolis Road, Mooresville. Burial will be in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. Rev. Dennis Payton will officiate. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the First United Methodist Church.
