David Ross Andress

David Ross Andress, 72, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away at his home on Friday, February 23, 2024. He was born on February 10, 1952, in Columbus, IN, the first-born son of Max and Dolores (Letzkus) Andress.

As a young man, Dave attended Columbus High School and was a born leader from the start. He was named as one of the 100 best prep school quarterbacks by Kick-Off Magazine in 1969. In 1970, Dave won the prestigious Dr. Maurice McKain Award, where he met the requirements of lettering his senior year and displaying high character as a student and as a citizen to the community. It was the highest honor a student can earn from Columbus High School.

Dave held the pole vault record at CHS for many years, and he also broke NFL quarterback Mike Phipps record for total passing yards in football.

After graduating in 1970, Dave continued to be a Bulldog and attended Butler University on a double scholarship to play football and basketball. He was a Butler letterman and a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

In 1973, while attending Butler, Dave met his future wife, Holly (Lee), and in 1978, they were married. That same year, he started his career at Apex Ventilating as a construction estimator working with the Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Union.

In May of 1990, Dave started Ace Air, Inc., which became one of Indianapolis’ leading Design/Build HVAC firms. During his HVAC days, he insisted that there was no job big or small that he couldn’t handle. He was also an industry leader and took pride in bringing together mechanical contractors and sheet metal contractors to provide a single point of contact for owners and customers. Dave was also involved in the design and procurement of new equipment, engineering concepts and many other products, most of which remain installed today.

Dave loved to think outside the box and was constantly working on new endeavors. He owned and operated several additional successful businesses including Enviro-Solutions, a recycling company eventually purchased by Weyerhaeuser, Crazy Horse Bar, located in the old Indianapolis Union station, Ace Catering, and a local trucking company named Ace Cargo. In 2021, Dave’s work led to the receipt of a U.S. Patent after creating a unique solution for a client’s ventilation problem in the chicken industry.

Dave opened his dream company in January of 2010, offering comprehensive energy solutions, energy management systems including engineering, design, consulting and implementation of energy-efficient projects, and energy conservation. Dave wanted to honor his late father, Max Andress, by naming this business Enviro-Max. In recent years, he transitioned to working from home in his favorite chair with many grandchildren running about.

From 1983 to 1988, Dave Volunteered as a football coach with St Pius X Panthers through CYO. He went on to coach football both at Washington Township (1989-2000) and Brebeuf High School (1992-1995). In 2003, Dave moved on from coaching football to coaching golf; becoming an integral part of the University of Evansville Men’s and Women’s Golf teams as an assistant coach until 2012.

A major part of the legacy Dave leaves behind was a strong individual who took responsibility for his alcohol addiction. He became sober in 1989. He often said his way of staying sober was to look through the drink, meaning one needs to remember how they are after indulging and if they want their life to look that way again. Dave would offer assistance to anyone struggling with addiction and at the time of his death, he had an impressive 35 years of sobriety.

In 1996, Dave and his partners purchased property in southern Indiana nicknamed “The Farm” where they could entertain clients and good buddies. This became Dave’s happy place where he could be his “Southern Indiana hillbilly self” to hunt, fish and enjoy his childhood stomping grounds. In 2022, Dave started hosting and coordinating the annual Washington County Special Olympics at The Farm.

Dave was a great motivator. He worked hard and provided many opportunities for others over the years. His generosity was well known, and many can attest to how he stepped up when they were in a jam. He never asked for anything in return. He kept everyone around him laughing with his talent for storytelling regarding his favorite past times of golf, fishing, hunting and talking politics. He was the friend people turned to for advice, help and support in the hard times. Dave always made sure to take care of his family, which included his employees.

Dave was a member of Hillcrest Country Club, Highland Country Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Butler University B-Men’s Club.

Dave will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Holly Andress, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and their four children, son Matthew (Autumn) Andress, daughter Megan Andress, daughter Molly (Tony) Rago, and son Mark (Danyelle) Andress. He had eleven grandchildren including Sofia, Max, Eli, Emmeline, Joey, Everett, twins Aubrey and Blakely, Bryce, Beau and Millie. In addition, he is survived by his Mother, Dolores Andress, his brothers, Tom, Mike, and Steve, sister Nancy Andress Hankins and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life for Dave will be held at St. Pius X Church, 7200 Sarto Dr, on April 10. Visitation from 9:30-11:30 with Mass immediately following at 11:30 am. In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Washington County Special Olympics, Wounded Warriors Fund or Catholic Youth Organization are appreciated.