Gary W. Books

Gary W. Books, 61, of Ossian, a columnist for the News-Banner, died Friday, Feb. 1 at 5:15 p.m. at Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. Death was due to acute myelogenous leukemia. Born March 1, 1946 in Bluffton to Virgil L. and Marjorie (Kreigh) Books, he is survived by a son, Jeremy L. (Tracie) Books of Indianapolis, a grandson Peyton Books and his former wife, Lana (Johnloz) Books. Also surviving are two sisters, Joyce Books and Elaine Keys, both of Ossian and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Marcia Lynne Books, who died in 1953 at the age of 11 from leukemia. Mr. Books was a 1964 graduate of Lancaster High School. He also attended the Indiana University School of Journalism and served with the U.S. Army as a Ranger during the Vietnam War. He was a recipient of four Purple Hearts during his combat service in Vietnam. He was a guest speaker at many local schools in recent years, bringing slide presentations of Vietnam telling of his experiences in the Vietnam War. An accomplished journalist, Mr. Books had previously worked in advertising and marketing at The New Castle Courier Times and Fort Wayne Newspapers, and the News-Banner. He was sports editor of the News-Banner from 1970 to 1977 and after retiring from FWN had worked at the Bluffton newspaper on a part-time basis, assisting in advertising and sports writing as well as writing a weekly human interest column entitled “By the Books.” He was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, American Legion Post 111 and a former member of the First Presbyterian Church, having served on the Board of Elders. He served on the Ossian Revitalization committee and also coached PAL Club basketball in Bluffton for 10 years. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home with Pastor Bud Abrams officiating. Calling will be on Tuesday from 1 to 8 p.m. and for one hour prior to services on Wednesday. Burial will be at Elm Grove Cemetery with military graveside rites by American Legion Post 111 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Preferred memorials are to the Leukemia Foundation or the American Legion Honor Guard.

Gary W. Books

March 1, 1946 - February 1, 2008