Andrew Martin Fossler III

Andy was born to Edelyn Briggs and Andrew Martin Fossler, Jr. at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston. He attended West University Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary, Pershing Middle School and graduated from Bellaire HS. After graduation, he chose to go to Texas A&M University, much to the chagrin of his Longhorn dad. After two years on the main campus, he transferred to the Galveston campus to pursue a degree in Marine Transportation. In Galveston, at the Texas Maritime Academy, the cadets lived on “The Texas Clipper” during the fall and spring semesters, traveling the world in the summer months on “The Clipper” to get their “sea hours,” a requirement to sit for their merchant marine license.

After graduation, Andy sailed one summer as first mate on a general cargo vessel and realized that the merchant marine lifestyle was not for him. In God’s providence, a family friend suggested that he investigate a career in marine insurance and arranged an interview for him with Marine Office of America Corp (MOAC). This was that beginning of a very successful career. Andy was hired by MOAC and sent to New York for their training program. Upon returning to Houston, he began work as a general marine insurance underwriter. He loved everything about the business; it was his calling.

In 1981, after nine years with MOAC, Andy accepted a position with Southern Marine & Aviation. He proudly served the rest of his career with Southern Marine. As he grew and progressed in his career he narrowed his focus to cargo insurance. In the industry his name became synonymous with cargo insurance.

Andy loved helping new underwriters learn the marine cargo business. He enjoyed the exercise of learning the risks involved in all types of cargo and finding the delicate balance in writing a policy that addressed a client’s needs while making sure underwriters were compensated fairly.

In 2020 after almost fifty years in the marine insurance business Andy retired and was ready to try new things.

Andy was excited about being able to do more with Cheri, his wife whom he adored. They celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on the 20th of November 2025.

Andy had helped Cheri study to become a Bayou Bend Docent in 1990. With his love of Bayou Bend, history and art, it was not a surprise that he decided to become a Bayou Bend Docent. He enjoyed the training, the learning, and sharing his knowledge with others. Andy developed many dear friends in the Bayou Bend Docent Organization and through Bayou Bend. He developed a keen interest in ceramics, was active in the Ima Hogg Ceramics Circle and served as president 2024-2025.

Andy was honored to be a member of Houston Country Club, the Executive Association of Houston, and the Colonneh Club where he made many lasting friendships.

A true Renaissance man, he was curious about so many things. He loved classical music, supported the Shepherd School and the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra. He loved art, particularly American Art. He loved collecting Roman glass and fossils. He loved animals, supported The Houston Zoo and was particularly fond of rhinoceroses. He was a movie buff, especially old movies. His interests seemed endless.

But, above all his first love was his Lord and Savior, Jesus. Andy was in Bible Study Fellowship for many years and studied the Bible extensively. He loved his church, St. John the Divine, and was so appreciative of all the friends, the love and the support he experienced by being a part of this special community.

He loved his family and friends dearly. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Cathriner Fossler; his sister, Emily Fossler Leseman; his sister-in-law and brother-in- law, Jacqueline Goss and William Cathriner II; his father-in-law, William Cathriner, Sr.; his nieces, Merrily Elizabeth Smith Capps (James), Linda Leseman, Katherine Leseman Paris, Annie Cathriner Stephens (Charlie), Virginia Cathriner Fales (Wesley); his great-nephew, Michael Paris; and his great-nieces, Jamisen Capps, and Maci Paris. He is also survived by his beloved godchildren, Sarah Zschappel Seibenaler (Dylan), and Travis Allday.

Andy was predeceased by his parents, Edelyn Briggs Bennett and Andrew M. Fossler, Jr.; his half-brother, Norman Lee Smith; and his mother-in-law, Jean Amsler Cathriner.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from half-past four o’clock in the afternoon until half-past six o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 9th of February, in the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 10th of February, at The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in nearby Sumners Hall.

For those unable to attend, you may join via livestream by selecting the “Join Livestream” icon in the service information section.

We also invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon below.