Robert Andrew Mcwilliams

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Andrew McWilliams passed away quietly at this home on July 7, 2013 at the age of 73 after losing his battle with cancer. Bob was a 1958 graduate of Ben Davis High School where he participated in a variety of sports like basketball, track, and football. He additionally played in the band, was a photographer and on the school newspaper staff. Football was his main focus which he continued through college. Bob attend Rose Hulman Institute and graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in engineering. While living in Valparaiso, he life guarded at the Dunes. Bob was drafted by the Army at age 27 and served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot where he supported ground troops by providing Medical Evacuation. He served in a variety of positions with his last assignment as a helicopter flight instructor in Shelbyville, IN and retired after 26 years of faithful service. Decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons include: Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award) Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award); Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement (5th Award); National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award); Vietnam Service Medal (1 Silver Star); Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Bars (3); Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Master Army Aviator Badge; and the Master Recruiter BAdge (1 Diamond Achievement Star). Bob additionally owned and operated a Dairy Queen in Anderson, IN for several years and was also a reserve police officer in Edgewood, IN. After selling the Dairy Queen and retiring from the military he worked as a supervisor at the Target Distribution Center where he retired again in 2007. Bob loved his family and was a kind and generous man. He was a certified scuba diver, loved to travel, enjoyed many years of playing golf and watching football as often as possible. Some of his memberships included: American Legion Post #64, the VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart Association, Indiana National Guard Association, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (Ohio River Valley Chapter/Black Cats), Military Officers Association of America, as well as many others. Survivors include his wife, Terri G. McWilliams; adopted grand-daughters: Imaijha (16); Cierra (11); and Serenity (6). His grown children include daughters: Teri (husband Aaron) Jarrett of Buffalo Creek, CO; Kim (husband Rickey) Walls of Camby, IN; Christina (husband Lloyd) McWilliams of Brea, KY; step-daughter Domini Brock of Indianapolis, IN; Sons: John (wife Patti) McWilliams of Indianapolis, IN; Jacob (wife Corie) McWilliams of Indianapolis, IN; Sisters: Judy Stephans of Greenwood, IN; Debbie Burkhardt of Anderson, IN; and brother Gene (wife Anna) of Indianapolis, IN; 11 grandchildren; 8 step grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and 2 step great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents D.C. (Mac) and Margaret McWilliams, brother Steve McWilliams, and step-son Ricky "Alan" Brock II. Bob donated his body to the IU School of Medicine. A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Flanner and Buchanan-Speedway. Calling at 5PM, service at 6PM and reception to follow. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan