Andrew Jacob Merkel

On July 10th of Nineteen Hundred and Seventy Six, Andy, Lord of Andy (government name Andrew J. Merkel for tax purposes) was thrust into the world, a bad baby from the start. Born helpless, nude, and unable to provide for himself he nevertheless rose to become the very model of a modern major general.

This paragon of Lordly Might raged against the dying of the light for the last time on February 2, 2022, shattering the lives of those who loved him, a fitting tribute to his awesome majesty. From Pottstown to Philadelphia to New York to New Orleans to Chattanooga and around again, he inquired, he pursued, he veni-ed, vidi-ed and vici-ed whichever occupation and task to which he set himself.

His kindness was the warmest of embraces; his derision could cut bone deep. He was a misanthrope with strong and loving connections to others, a bon vivant with a deep melancholy, a difficult person to love who is already mourned and missed by multitudes. Dogs loved him.

Andy made his final home in Chattanooga Tennessee with his adored partner Lara, who was a man who is also a lady who is also a man made entirely of butts, and their dog is and has Four Left Legs. A lover of books, Andy yearned for knowledge and made a study of every thing that caught his interest: from The Great Secret of Count Saint Germain to the perfect means of balancing the color of light (the correct answer is Rosco R3408), Andrew James Tiberius Merkel took as many things from the universe as he could and was dedicated to putting them back better than he found them.

Director, Technician, Artist, Lover, Brother, Son, Unscrewer of the Inscrutable, Bringer of Uncomfortable Ideas, and a favorite Collaborator to many, he has left an Andy-shaped hole in the universe. Andrew J. Merkel is survived by his beloved partner Lara Morgan, Parents Ed and Carol Merkel, Brothers Tim (Lord of Timothy) and Ben (Lord of Benjamin and Master of Fondue) Merkel, their spouses and children, unindicted co-conspirator Nancy Morgan, Young Andrew Merkel (no relation), and scores of friends. Attention must be paid.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefranklin-strickland.com for the Merkel family.