Gary L. Albers, Sr.

Gary L. Albers, Sr., 70 of Carmel, passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at his home.  Gary was born May 24, 1947 in Louisville, KY to the late Robert E. and Anna G. Albers.  He was a graduate of St. Xavier High School, The University of Louisville and a US Army reserve veteran.

At the age of 21, he had the opportunity to marry Joy Edmonson, ending up becoming his first of many over achieving life events.

Gary began his career with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company retiring in 2004 after 34 years.   Starting his career in Frankfort, Kentucky he moved his family to St. Louis, Winston-Salem, NC, Minneapolis and Indianapolis picking up lifelong friends along the way.

He fathered four children, Gary, Jr, Ty, Julie and Jill.  He was an engaged father who lived through his children celebrating their successes, shouldering their valleys, and providing a solid foundation for them to have families of their own.  Outside of his own family, Gary would provide a sounding board to others as an example of what fatherhood could look like.

With a welcoming spirit and a wide-open outlook to life, his mornings would begin with his beloved “breafass”.  During his days, his heart- forward approach turned strangers into friends and friends into family.   He enjoyed singing, catching and losing fish, playing golf (two-time Halber Cup Champion), three fingers of bourbon, trips to Florida, bodysurfing, and conversations with loved ones… and anyone else.

In 1993, he and Joy once again invested in family by purchasing a lake house in Nineveh, Indiana.  The home quickly became a gathering place for many offering another environment of love, laughter, and friendship.  The echoes of his lake spirit will live forever through his iconic “CORDRY” battle cry.

In 1999, Gary and Joy became grandparents for the first time.  Known as Abba, his love for the grandkids was demonstrated every day with his support in their activities and overwhelming interest in their lives.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am Monday, April 23 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church.  Family and friends are invited to gather from 12:00 pm–6:00 pm Sunday April 22 at Flanner Buchanan-Carmel.

Gary is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joy; children, Gary L. (wife, Lisa) Albers Jr., Ty (wife Sara) Albers, Julie (husband, Joe) Downey, Jill (husband, Mike) Lyons; grandchildren, Jack, Ty, Eli, Jonah, Maeve, Tressie, Merrin, Harper, Evelyn, Will and Norah; sister, Jeannie (husband, Jim) Lincoln.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Albers and his sister, Sr. Betty Albers, OSU.

Memorial contributions may be made to Down Syndrome Foundation of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Blood Center or San Francisco Suicide Prevention.  Please visit flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.