Roll Call Tribute

Lt. Col. Albert W. "Al" Degyansky, (US Army, Retired)
January 20, 1943 – March 17, 2022

Lieutenant Colonel (US Army Ret), Albert W. “Al” Degyansky, 79, of Fishers, Indiana, departed this life on Thursday afternoon, March 17, 2022, at his home. Al was born in Fort Monroe, Virginia, to the late William and Alice (Robertson) Degyansky. The only child of career military parents, Al was the first American dependent to go to arrive and live in Japan after the end of World War II.

Al was a proud graduate of the Texas A&M’s Core of Cadets earning his degree in Business Administration, and later earning his MBA from Northwest Missouri State University.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Al entered service in United States Army as an Infantry Officer in 1964. In a distinguished career, Al served one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, during which he served as a Company Commander and Infantry Battalion Senior Advisor. Al was attached to the US Marines at Khe Sanh in 1968 during one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam war. He was awarded a SILVER STAR, the third-highest combat medal awarded by the United States in Vietnam, for his courage under fire. As a companion to the SILVER STAR, Al was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry by the Republic of Vietnam. Of lesser but significant combat decorations, Al was awarded the BRONZE STAR and the AIR MEDAL. Among his other military accomplishments, Al was a graduate of the US Army Command & General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.

He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1985. Upon retirement, Al moved his family to Carmel, Indiana where he began another career with General Motors/Allison Engine and retired from Rolls Royce Allison as a Senior Systems Analyst. After his second retirement, Al then became a “permanent substitute teacher” and spent 12 years at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana.

While Al was a kind and gentle soul who put others needs before his own, he had a wonderful sense of humor. He was happiest making memories with his family and friends. He was a familiar and supportive face at his grandchildren’s activities and enjoyed helping them in all of their endeavors. His grandchildren will always remember him telling them to “go out there and kick puppies” (i.e., “KICK BUTT”) First and foremost he loved being Grandig to his grandchildren but he also loved his dogs, naps, TV and was rarely seen without a hat. Al was also an accomplished golfer and enjoyed being on a beach or by a pool with a martini nearby. He loved his adventures to the Caribbean and held a special place in his heart for Gatlinburg, Tennessee where he married his beloved Maribeth on September 1, 1995. Al was, to Maribeth, the love of her life.

Al was preceded in death by his devoted first wife, Diana Degyansky. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Maribeth (Miller) Degyansky; wonderful children, Andy Degyansky; Dena (Marty) Liles and Andy (Christine) Paskins; amazing and beautiful grandchildren, Ashton, Madeline & Max Degyansky, Mario & Diana Liles and Audrey & Carsten Paskins.

A celebration of life for Al will be held Sunday, March 27, 2022 beginning with Military honors at 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at American Legion Post 155, 852 W Main St, Carmel, Indiana 46032. Final services will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. On October 26, 2019, Al was blessed to go on the Indy Honor Flight #32. Because of this wonderful experience, memorial contributions are suggested in his name to: Indy Honor Flight or the Texas A&M Foundation.

Online condolences for Al's family are available at www.leppertmortuary.com