Cary Lee Stump

1949 - 2024

Cary Lee Stump, a man of unwavering dedication to his country and his family, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, March 21, 2024, with his family by his side.

Cary is survived by the love of his life Carol Jean. They met while working at Combined Insurance and married July 8, 1989. They loved watching their Colts and Pacers, old westerns like Gunsmoke, and scratching off lottery tickets.

Cary treasured his three children, Darek, Kaci, and Jason. He taught his sons how to play golf and although his sons were exceptional golfers they never could beat their Dad! Cary and his sons loved exchanging good-natured banter with each other on the golf course. Although Kaci didn't play golf, she drove the golf cart until Cary banned her for reckless driving!

Cary's greatest delights were his six grandchildren: Kaylea, Griffin, Ella, Aidan, Grissom, and Caleb. They called him Pappa Stump, and he enjoyed going to their school events. His grandchildren were the reasons Cary and Carol Jean moved to Cicero, to be closer to them.

Cary graduated from Crown Point High School in 1967. He was a star baseball and basketball player for the Bulldogs. He made all-conference. Cary also played against Gregg Popovich, his friend and opponent.

Cary was drafted to Vietnam shortly after high school. He was in the Army from 1969 to 1975. During that time, Cary was exposed to Agent Orange, which ultimately contributed to his failing health.

Cary was a passionate golfer. He was the pro and golf instructor at Mill Creek, Elks and Swan Lake. He opened his golf store in Rochester named Tee To Green Pro Shop. Cary was a member of the Indiana Section of the PGA. Cary loved holding golf clinics at Mill Creek for young kids. Cary's coveted golf achievement was getting three holes in one at three different courses, earning lifetime bragging rights. Cary was proud that Carol Jean got to witness one of those aces!

Cary was predeceased by his oldest sisters Penny and Betty. Cary is survived by his loving baby brother John. Cary and John were best friends, always having each other's backs growing up. They loved to banter about the Colts versus Texans and the Pacers versus Rockets. During Cary's final day he sang his favorite song "Have I Told You Lately" by Van Morrison to his brother John. Cary also loved listening to Vince Gill, which he asked his granddaughter Kaylea to play on his last day on Earth. Cary loved his cousin Randy Baker who he considered a brother in life.

A celebration of life, with military honors, will be held in June at the Cicero Cemetery. A golf outing will be held in June also at Mill Creek Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cicero Fire Department, 1359 Stringtown Pike, Cicero, IN 46034.