Andrew C. “Andy” Spencer: 1991 – 2009
Andrew C. “Andy” Spencer, 17, a resident of rural Churubusco, passed away on Thursday afternoon, July 16, 2009, from the results of a one vehicle accident on County Road 550-East in rural Whitley County.
Andy was born on December 15, 1991 in Fort Wayne, a son of Michael A. and Cathy A. (Lonsbury) Spencer. He was a lifelong resident of Churubusco where he was to start his senior year at Churubusco High School. He was a member of the Churubusco High School basketball team, and lettered in both football and baseball. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco.
The surviving relatives include his parents Michael and Cathy Spencer; his sister Samantha (Austin) Wagner of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; his brother Bobby M. Spencer of Churubusco; the paternal grandparents, Robert C. and Judith A. Spencer of Churubusco; and the maternal grandmother Sharron Lonsbury of Huntertown. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Clyde F. Lonsbury.
Funeral services will be held on Monday July 20, 2009 at 2:30 p. m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco with Pastor Lane Burgland officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 19, 2009 from 2 to 7 p. m. at the Churubusco High School Gymnasium, with a memorial service following at 7 p.m. facilitated by Jon Pelz of Campus Life Ministries.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Spencer Family to establish a Scholarship Fund in Andy’s name. Envelopes will be available at the school and church.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
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To leave a condolence for the family in Andy’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
July 18th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Dear Spencer Family,
There are no words to express our sorrow at learning of the passing of your son, Andy. Our son Nick, was a Jr. at Ball State when he died last August 1, 2008, when riding with a friend who ran a stop sign. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Send an e-mail if we can help in anyway.
Steve and Kathy Linvill
July 18th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Mike, Cathy and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Jean
July 18th, 2009 at 3:00 am
to the spencer family,
it hardly seems possible that this happened. i am so extremely sorry for your loss. andy was such a great kid. i will never forget his smile and how he was always happy. it has been a privalige to know and spend time with andy. my heart goes out to you all. you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you all
Andew
July 18th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Our thought and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time. May you find protection in God’s strength and love. The Lillmars Family.
July 18th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Mike and Kathy
The one thing I will always remember about Andy was his smile. When Andy’s name was mentioned it was always said “what a good kid”. Cathy I remember at the Sheridan game, Mike was quick in giving you praise and credit for your children.
Sandy Hamilton
July 18th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Mike and Cathy
The one thing I will always remember about Andy was his smile. When Andy’s name was mentioned it was always said “what a good kid”. Cathy I remember at the Sheridan game Mike was quick in giving you praise and credit for your children.
Sandy Hamilton
July 18th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Mike and Cathy and Family
There are no words to express how deeply sorry we are about the loss of your son Andy. He was a wonderful person and always sincere. My heart goes out to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Remember that God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1-2.
Tartaglia Family
July 18th, 2009 at 10:50 am
To the family,
Thought I have never met you folks please know that we are praying for all of you. I did have the pleasure of meeting your son at Chris and Tanya’s a month ago. He gave me a wonderful smile and a very firm handshake. He had a gorgeous smile and personality. And I was impressed how he liked to talk to adults. I remember telling Tanya what a nice young man he was. We always hope our daughters bring home a nice boy. And Megan really did. Though we don’t know the answer to the why’s, along with you we have been blessed having had known Megan and Andy. Please know that this community shares in your grief and pain. And we just pray that our God will surround you with his love and give you peace and rest. It does come in time. I too have suffered a loss (2 1/2 years ago). Please lean on our Heavenly Father. Its what has helped me. That and remember that God gave us wonderful friends to help us. May God comfort you now and always. In Christian Love,
Karen, Jordan, Amber and Michaela Hoffman
July 18th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Mike and Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you probably do not remember me but I worked at Alcoils in CC with Mike. You are in our prayers.
Steve & Vickie Gaerte
July 18th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Dear Spencer Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
The Kuznar Family
July 18th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Margaret Geiger, Dennis and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
July 18th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Dear Mike and Cathy, Bob and Judie, and family and friends,
Sharing in your pain at the loss of Andy and his girlfriend, Megan. May the fond memories of their precious and too short lives, and the out pouring of friends and family provided by our merciful God strengthen and sustain you in this very difficult time.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn and family
July 18th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Mike, Cathy and family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all
in this time of need. Andy will always be
remembered in our hearts. Andy will be with
very specials angels, Grandpa Clyde, Grandpa and Grandma Kogin and Aunt Marcia. We Love you all!
Mark and Lisa Jackson
July 18th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
mike & cathy, what a wonderful gift you had from God for 17 years. We know it was not long enough for you. Please let all your friends of Busco help you through these very difficult times. We are here for you, & your family.
In our prayers,
Gary Connie & Cody
July 18th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Mike, Cathy and family. I am truely sorry about the losso f Andy. I know he is now ur family’s guardian angel and will watch over all of u till u meet once again in heaven.
Love always,
Kim Arnett
July 18th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Mike, Cathy, Bobby, Sam, Austin, and Evie
July 18th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Mike, Cathy, Bobby, Sam, Austin and Evie : Words cannot express our sorrow. Andy’s smile and friendly personality will not be forgotten. We pray for strength for you. Love to all of you. Keith, Cheri, Nate, Emily, Adam, Brandon and Anna
July 18th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Mike, Cathy & Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Leonard, Sheila & Matt Harvey
July 18th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Mike, Cathy and family,
It’s difficult to put into words the loss and sadness we felt when we heard of Andy’s passing. I remember the good times we had in class, his witty humor, fun loving attitude, and his many successes in the classroom, as well as on the athletic fields. Andy will be missed by all. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Rod & June Strayer
July 18th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
To the Spencer Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will never forget the times spent at the Churubusco Little League diamonds watching the boys play baseball. Those are times we will always cherish.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God keep you in His watchful and loving care.
Rick, Monica, Michael, Brian and Nicole
July 19th, 2009 at 12:24 am
I’m so very sorry to read of this horrible accident and the loss of your son. My prayers are with your family. God will help you through this terrible time.
July 19th, 2009 at 9:18 am
There are no words that will ease this pain, only time will help. Our hearts go out to you.
July 19th, 2009 at 9:22 am
We just wanted to let you know you are in all of our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Love, Ty,Trinna,Bailey,Jacey and Garrett
July 19th, 2009 at 9:40 am
To the Spencer Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Having watched Andy grow from a cute kindergartener into the handsome teenager he had become makes my heart ache for your loss. Andy will be greatly missed in the community as well as in the school. There are no words that can make the pain any less, but know that our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. May God bless you all.
July 19th, 2009 at 10:08 am
To the Spencer family. What great neighbors you are. True blue family with honest values and fun to be around. Andy was a gift from god for 17 years; you did a wonderful job raising Andy. God has plans for him now. Trust in god! We love you guys!!
July 19th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Mike and Cathy, We are sending love and prayers to you ,Bobby, Sam, Austin, and baby Evie..also to Grandma Sharron..Bob And Judy… Our hearts a broken now, but we will always keep Andy’s
wonderful memories with us. What a fine young man he grew to be..and we will miss him…Love you all Aunt Cathy
July 19th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Mike, Cathy, Bobby & Samantha,
Words cannot express how we all feel right now. We will all miss Andy. He was such a free spirit who brought joy to all who met him. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers and we will never forget him.
Love,
Richard, Leslie, Lauren & Ryan
July 19th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Mike, Cathy, and family,
I was so sorry and saddened to hear about Andy’s passing. Andy was funny and fun-loving, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have had a student like Andy. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Trish Brooks
July 19th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
The Spencer Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I don’t know if you or your parents remember us – I was organist at Faith for many years and remember your family. We will send an email to the AuBuchon’s to keep you in their prayers also.
May God’s abiding love be with you.
Jane and Jack Helton
July 19th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Cathy, Mike, Samantha, and Bobby…When we heard of your tragic loss it truly broke our hearts. We only knew Andy – at various stages of his life – from family “get-togethers” on our visits to Indiana. It was very apparent that Andy, as with all the Spencer children, was the kind of person that every parent hopes that their children will emulate.
We truly wish that we were with you now to give you heartfelt, consoling hugs.
July 19th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
To Mike & Cathy: I know there are no words that can heal your pain at this time but jus want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The man upstairs has his reasons even though we
can’t understand them. Just live with the thoughts
of the wonderful time you had.
May God be with you.
July 19th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Dear Mike and Cathy; Bob and Judy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for all of you. May God hold you in His arms, as He now holds Andy.
Dr. Reinhard
July 20th, 2009 at 7:43 am
To the Entire Egolf Family,
Our prayers are with you. We heard the news while traveling between Iowa and Wisconsin and immediately began to pray for the whole family and community. We pray the comfort of our Heavenly Father will hold you tiht during this traumatic and unexplainable time.
Pastor Steve and Pam Johnson
(Dale, Tammy, Kyle and Kat’s Pastor)
July 20th, 2009 at 8:03 am
We know Megan’s family. And knowing Megan, she would have chosen the best for a boyfriend. From what I hear, Andy was a very special young man. I wish we could have gotten to meet him. Please accept our condolences. May God be with you.
July 20th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Our hearts break for the families of Megan and Andy. Such beautiful, talented young people – a true loss for our community and for these two families.
May God comfort you and carry you during this terrible time of anguish and heartbreak.
Viv Sade & family
July 20th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Dear Spencer Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your young son. Accidents like these leave families feeling lost, confused and hopeless. Find strength in your friends, family and those that surround you with love and concern. Know that you are in my thoughts daily. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions or concerns 260-609-5060.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Deputy Tony Helfrich
Whitley County Sheriff’s Department
July 20th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
What a shock to hear of Andy’s passing. My heart and thoughts go out to all of the Spencer family. He was a good boy that came from a super family. Know that I care for you during these times of sorrow.
July 20th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
To the Spencer family….Life can be so hard to understand,even when we trust God our hearts still ache. I pray comfort and strength that only our God can provide.What a precious child He gave to you! His beautiful smile and loving,gentle spirit we will always remember.Hold on to Jesus!!! Shawns aunt claudia
July 20th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Dear Mike and Cathy,
Judie sent an email about Andy’s accident and death. I am sure that the two of you are devastated. There is nothing I can say to make you feel any better.The only thing that will make you feel better as time goes by will be to remember all of the joy Andy brought to you and your family while he was with you.
You and your family have my Deepest Sympathy,
Much Love,
Aunt Betty
July 22nd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Even though we’ve been gone from Faith for 2 years, we remember our family there and grieve with you. May you enjoy all the memories of Andy and lean on Jesus at all times. Your spiritual family is always there for you also. We’re sorry for your loss.
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Mike and Cathy,
It’s been my pleasure to coach your two sons. Both were hardworking, persistent kids, and Andy was set to enjoy the same kind of success Bobby had as a senior. This season won’t be the same.
In our busy world, I normally take a different route to Columbia City, which is one minute faster. I’ve changed my path to 550, which allows me to spend an extra minute remembering what a great kid Andy was, and how he helped me enjoy my time coaching him.
As a final comment only the football team and coaches will understand, when I think of Andy, I’ll always remember “We’re still dear friends.” He’d like it that way.
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Cathy, Mike & Family….
I am at a loss for words to tell you how sorry I am to hear about Andy. I just found out today. You all will be in my prayers and thoughts. You have the comfort of knowing he is in the Gods Hands now. If there is anything I can do please let me know. You know I will be there as quick as I can. Lots of Hugs, Love and Prayers. Carolyn, John, Andy and Angel
July 26th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Mike and Cathy and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our children are such a blessing. I know you will miss your Andy greatly. Please know that you are in my prayers. May God be with you as you go this through this very difficult journey. Much love, Julie
July 27th, 2009 at 8:09 am
To the family of Andy. It makes me cry to know that another young man has died. My son died in an accident at 14. He was a wonderful young man like your Andy. When I read all of the messages to you, I know that he was a good person and that you should be proud of the way you raised him and supported him. Once I told someone, “We can worry about everything they do, whether they run in the street as a child, get an illness, or break an arm while playing, but we cannot be with them all the time to protect them. It can happen in an instant, so fast that we cannot absorb it. May God bless you and give you strength, and may you feel the warm loving thoughts and hugs given to you by the people who care.
Alanna Coffelt, Kendallville