OBITUARY

Andrew Joseph Garney Jr.

January 27, 1939 – January 1, 2021

Andrew Joseph “AJ” Garney Jr., 81, passed away peacefully at his home on January 1, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer.

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.

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  • No-Kill Animal Shelter or to a charity of your choice in AJ’s memory.
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30 January

Visitation

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Earthman Southwest Funeral Home

12555 South Kirkwood
Stafford, TX 77477

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30 January

Memorial Service

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Earthman Southwest Funeral Home

12555 South Kirkwood
Stafford, TX 77477

GET DIRECTIONS

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Andrew Joseph Garney Jr.

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JOSE A & REBECCA LOPEZ

January 25, 2021

I was in shock and still am to hear of AJ's passing. As a member of the Texas Campgrounds, AJ was very kind and always had a smile on his face. He helped us when we had questions regarding construction and permits. AJ was a busy man when he was at the campground; but he was never too busy to stop and speak to us when we would cross paths. We will truly miss AJ, Heaven has gained another angel.

Jose & Rebecca Lopez-N138

De West

January 23, 2021

To honor such a great spirit it is only appropriate to attend mass, pray the rosary, Ash Wednesday is important, always research and read, find the beauty in everything, fried chicken, potato salad, as well as coconut cake or pie are for picnics, and milk and cookies in a glass (haha) is always a good thing.
We love you,
Shane, De, Levi, LaRae, and Laney Mae West

Johnny Maduzia

January 22, 2021

I remember AJ from Christ the King and St. Thomas High School, nice guy. He was a year ahead of me in class. May he rest in peace.

Minerva Perez

January 22, 2021

A.J. was the nicest man. I met him only a couple of years ago. He would make Marissa & I laugh at our Friday's get togethers at Christa's place when he would say the word "chuparosa". My last memory of A. J. , he was sitting on a bench under the tree in front of their house. He was reading a book & getting some Vit D. He looked so peaceful. Sweet Inga, my heart aches for you, cause you lost your best friend. We are here for you and love you!

Maria Eureste

January 21, 2021

My deepest condolences to AJ's family and friends. Unfortunately, I did not know AJ very long or very well for that matter. I met him at TCC in Galveston, and he was always very nice, friendly and helpful. I know he is at peace in heaven and I pray that all of the wonderful memories his family have will help ease the pain of his departure from this life.
Rest in Peace AJ and thanks for your kindness on earth.

Christa Weissman

January 17, 2021

I met A.J. and his wife Ingeborg about 4 years ago. Almost instantly we became best friends.

A.J. was a kind, compassionate, good man, and a great neighbor. I will miss the little and sometimes long chats we had almost every morning when he walked by my house with his dogs. Or our Friday evening margarita get togethers with friends and neighbors. It was always such a pleasure to listen to his funny stories and hilarious jokes. Once I found out he had a "sweet tooth", I started to supply him with chocolates, cakes and cookies and he loved it.

A.J. was a great friend and I feel very fortunate to have known him.

A.J., you will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace

Christa Weissman
Friend and neighbor

Eli Mahler

January 15, 2021

Aj
you will always have a special place in my heart and You were special in many was.
We always had good conversation with lots of laughs..you are loved and missed. May you Rest In Peace in heaven ...
Love always Eli

Elizabeth Mohr

January 15, 2021

I am so sad that I didn't get to meet him. You all are in my thoughts. Sending love and hugs to you.

Doug Barnhouse

January 13, 2021

I was saddened to hear of AJs passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at GAS a few years ago. AJ was always good with a joke, a story, and always helpful. Truly a wonderful person. I know he loved his dogs dearly, I was proud to know him as a friend. May he rest in peace.

Patrick Callahan

January 13, 2021

A J was the biggest guy in our Class and also one of the best guys in our class - always a good listener and jovial personality - he will be missed.......we were not that close; as many of the guys stuck with others from same Parish - but A J was a friend to all.....

Pat Callahan
St. Thomas Class 1956

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