Jack Edward Dandridge, Indianapolis, Indiana, age 82, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2018. Jack was born February 23, 1936 in St. Louis, Missouri to Gertrude (Bybee) Dandridge and Edward William Dandridge. He grew up on a small farm near Bowling Green, Missouri, and was a graduate of Bowling Green High School. As the saying goes – “you can take a boy out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy”. Jack was a veteran of the US Army, serving in the Army Reserves as an MP and a Communications Manager for 8 years. His main career was as a Programmer and Network Manager for the Army Finance Center where he retired from after 20 years of service. Throughout his life, Jack always looked to supplement his income and worked as a Private Investigator, Night Manager of a McDonalds, store clerk at GNC, and developed a large Amway Network business. In addition to these jobs, he learned to use a wood lathe and would make and sell coat racks and night sticks. After retiring, he continued as a window salesman and a driver for an auto parts store.
For his family, Jack volunteered and took charge to lead as Scout Master for the Cub and Boy Scouts, including building a full size push cart for the scout jamboree with his son, Jared. With his daughter, Renee, he was an Indian Princesses Father and Kickball coach. He and his wife Rosemary would attend all of the cross country, track, and other events of their children, no matter how embarrassed it made the kids. There were lots of camping trips with bond fires and sometimes with rain. He was very close with his grandchildren, attending their school events, and will be remembered for always making sure they had their fill of pancakes on Saturday mornings.
Jack was engaged in work and life. He served as the President of their home’s Neighborhood Association for 20 years, leading and guiding the environment and policies for 219 family homes. As a carpenter, he built a large 3 level deck and an extension tool shed onto the house. In his later years as he "slowed" down, Jack found the time to write 4 books, one of which is published. He was a member of the American Legion and an active supporter of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association. Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rosemary (Lampert) Dandridge; son, Jared Dandridge (wife Wanpen "Tui"); daughter, Renee; sister, Alice Dandridge; grandchildren, Sydney, Haley, Gabriella, Quentin (wife Rachel), Sophia (husband Justin), Josiah; and great grandchild, Jonah.
Visitation for Jack will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. His Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00 AM at the church with military burial to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 9700 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana. Following this is a reception at the American Legion post 470, 9091 E 126th St, Fishers, IN 46038. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, the Gary Sinise Foundation, or your favorite charity.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on Jack’s Facebook profile - https://www.facebook.com/jack.dandridge01.
