John “Ed” Edward Demaree III, 56, of Indianapolis, passed away on August 5, 2024. Born on May 25, 1968, in Indianapolis to David and Joyce (Miller) Demaree, Ed was a man of many passions, talents, and a deep love for his country.
A talented glazier by trade, one of his many skills. His craftsmanship was only matched by his patriotism; Ed was a proud American, always ready to wave the flag and express his love for the country he cherished.
Music was an integral part of Ed’s life. With a father who was a drummer, it was no surprise that music ran in his veins. Ed's musical taste was eclectic, but he was always drumming along to the beat, showcasing his skills as a "professional air drummer.” His mind was a steel trap when it came to music knowledge, making him a walking encyclopedia with a playlist for every occasion. Among his favorites were Eric Church, Luke Combs, Marshall Tucker, and Willie Nelson, with a particular fondness for country music.
Ed’s love for speed was just as strong. The men in his family had a long-standing tradition of working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Ed was a huge fan of racing in all forms—IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula 1, you name it. His time at the track was filled with happy memories, and he had a thoughtful and generous nature. Ed once arranged for Mario Andretti to call his late mother-in-law during her final days, allowing her to speak to her hero.
This passion for racing also led him to find his doggie soulmate, a boxer named Andretti, affectionately known as "Lughead." It was love at first sight, and the two were inseparable from that moment on.
Photography was another of Ed’s many talents, a love that started during his time at Beech Grove High School and stayed with him throughout his life. His eye for detail and composition made him the go-to person for capturing special moments.
Above all, Ed was a devoted family man. He and his beloved wife Kimberly would have celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary on August 19th. Together, they built a home filled with love and compassion. Ed was always making sure everyone was having fun and staying safe, embodying generosity and kindness in everything he did. He was a force for good in the world, and his absence will be deeply felt.
Ed is survived by his wife, Kim; his children Kayla, Ryan, and Aaron; his sisters Janda and Kristi; his best friends Shannon & Randy Drummond and Jon Paschall and his partner Andrea Haydon; his boxer Andretti; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in passing by his parents and his sisters Kari and Kati.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Canine Castaways Rescue, Inc., 10879 North 200 West, Fountaintown, IN 46130, the organization where Ed found his beloved dog, Andretti.
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