Andrew Woods Thomas

Andrew was born on Nov. 9, 1991, to Drew and Connie Thomas. He was one of seven children, including three older sisters, Andrea (Michael) Mattingly, Lesley (Sam) Joers, and Mallory (Ronnie) Herbert; and three younger brothers, Zachary, Matthew and Brody Thomas, all of whom survive him. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Anthony and Gail Kinder, with whom he had an especially close relationship, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Nona. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dr. D. Woods and Barbara Thomas.

Andrew grew up in Griffith, IN, where he developed an early love for sports. He began bowling in elementary school and continued through high school. He loved the Chicago Bears, White Sox and Bulls, but experienced the most joy spending time with his brothers playing video games and sports.

He began reading at an early age and excelled academically throughout his life. He graduated seventh in his class from Griffith High School in 2010. He received multiple scholarship opportunities to attend college and ultimately chose to study aeronautical and astronautical engineering at Purdue University.

After his time at Purdue, Andrew began learning how to remodel homes alongside his grandfather and uncle. This work came naturally to him, and the experience inspired him to build his own business, Woods Remodeling, from the ground up. In addition to remodeling homes as his career, he also graciously gave months of his personal time to transform his parents’ new house into their dream home.

Andrew was a natural teacher, regardless of the subject. He was patient, knowledgeable, calm, and understanding but, most importantly, he led by example.

As the eldest brother, Andrew was a role model to his siblings and he loved spending time with them. He volunteered to coach his younger brother Brody’s baseball and basketball teams after the positions were vacated unexpectedly. The baseball team went on to win the league’s championship in 2016.

Although he was a tremendously skilled craftsman, athlete, and artist, he will mainly be remembered for his gentle soul and his thoughtful, humble nature. Because of his kind and tender disposition, he had a special connection with children and animals, who gravitated toward Andrew whenever he was around. He was adored by his cousins, nieces, and nephews especially. He was present and attentive with a gift for making other people feel important and loved.

The impact Andrew made in this world is immense, and his loss immeasurable. We love you, Andrew. You will be missed, but you are in our hearts forever.

A memorial visitation for Andrew will be held Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307, followed by a funeral service from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Thomas family.