Andrew Joseph Garney Jr.

AJ was born on January 27, 1939 in Houston, Texas to his loving parents, Andrew Joseph and Lucille Jackowski Garney, who preceded him to Heaven. He was both Polish and well-polished. He lived in the Heights of Houston most of his life, attended St. Thomas High School, and had a long career working as an Instrumentation Engineer at various firms throughout the Houston area.

AJ was introduced by a friend to the love of his life, Ingeborg Mahler (Miller), and they married on May 4, 1991. He was lovingly welcomed into her family and they shared 29 years of travel, beach time, laughter, Dairy Queen stops, and loving companionship.

AJ was happiest when he was fishing, cleaning or eating fish, or simply relaxing in Galveston at his cherished Texas Campgrounds Club, where he served on the Board of Directors for 12 years. His time spent at TCC gifted him with forever friendships, and his dedication to TCC helped make it the gem it is today. AJ’s heart was as large and deep as the Gulf of Mexico, which he dearly loved.

AJ will always be remembered for his keen sense of humor, his storytelling, and his infectious, hearty laughter. He treasured telling and hearing good jokes. His outgoing nature gave him a true gift for gab and he found endless pleasure in talking to friends and family on the phone or sitting down for a personal heart-to-heart with any and all. AJ had an uncanny ability to make new acquaintances and claim them as an instant friend.

AJ was an avid reader, especially of books about World War II History and airplanes. He was a former member of the Commemorative Air Force and the Knights of Columbus. AJ had endless enthusiasm for all food, music, and getting to the bottom of a good bottle of Scotch. He treasured his travels to spend time with family in Louisiana, Arkansas, California and Utah. AJ loved animals, especially his beloved dogs, Chuy and Addie. He was greeted in Heaven by his beloved Bumper, Schatzie, and Foxy.

At 6’4”, AJ was truly larger than life. A man of honesty, integrity, strength and powerful faith, AJ has left a beacon of light for all of those he knew and loved. He is survived by his loving wife, Ingeborg, his stepdaughter Stephanie Miller, of Huntington Beach, California, his stepson Mark Miller and wife, Gina, step granddaughters, Reece and Riley, of Salt Lake City, Utah. He loved them like his own. He is also survived by his brother (in-law), Klaus Mahler and his wife, Sharon, of Hahnville, Louisiana, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, especially Marianne Denny of Germany whom he considered his sister. AJ is also survived by an abundance of friends, far too many to count. He will be sorely missed by his lifelong, childhood friends, those from Christ the King Church, his doctors, nurses, grocery workers, and anyone who ever crossed his path.

Visitation will be held on January 30, 2021 at 10:00 am at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood, Stafford, Texas. A Memorial Service will be held immediately after at 11:00 am at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, with refreshments served from 11:30 to 1:30.

Ingeborg would like to thank the Chemo Angels who gave her and AJ great joy in his last weeks.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a No-Kill Animal Shelter or to a charity of your choice in AJ’s memory.

AJ, you were too well loved to ever be forgotten. Rest in peace.