J. Andrew Harnish

J. Andrew Harnish, age 44, Carmel, Indiana, passed away February 13, 2017, due to complications of liver disease. He was born December 2, 1972, in Elkhart, Indiana, the son of Joe and Jan (Oyer) Harnish.

Andy grew up in Middlebury Indiana, where he was active in the Brethren and Mennonite Church families, Cub Scouts, Little League, Heritage School band, and high school wrestling. In 1990, he graduated from Northridge High School. He continued his education at Eastern Mennonite College and James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Economics. He was the manager of the Harnish Agency of Nationwide Insurance, West 96th Street in Indianapolis. He loved working with his clients, many of whom became life-long friends. He had an appreciation for literature and poetry and loved creative word use which led to a mischievous sense of humor. Andy often expressed his aspirations for writing a book of his life's journey.

A favorite pastime was watching movie classics from his large and carefully organized collection, as well as following favorite sports teams, especially basketball. He enjoyed outdoor sports and nature, and was fascinated by all creatures great and small. Over the years, his cats were always very special to him.

He is survived by his parents; a brother and sister-in-law J. Matt and Melissa (Fidler) Harnish; a nephew and his wife, J. Michael and Kathryn (Waltman) Harnish; and large extended family of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 West 86th Street, where he was a member. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the time of service at the church. A reception will follow the services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Hamilton County Humane Society, Riley Children’s Foundation, or to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for the McCurdy Fund, which is a benevolence fund to assist individuals in need. Please note Andy’s name on the memo line. Arrangements were entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan – Carmel. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.

Release

My mind, cluttered with images obscure.
Continuous culminations
Repeat with bounding fervor.
I close my eyes.
Wander into a wonderful world.

Cool dry air prances through my self,
Insects and birds play their vocal games.
The celestial Orange, sweet, yet sly,
Squirms through wisps above,
Thrusts energy into the flowery realm below.

Red rocks streak aloft, break the Great Blue Sky,
Dusty gust relays mystic chants to canyon walls.
A vortex of energy, vitality swirls upward.
I freefall, carefree into this whirl
In God’s Great Hand.

-J. Andrew Harnish