Gary L. Ogle

Gary L. Ogle, age 72 passed away on June 18, 2016. He was born to the late Pearl and Winnie Ogle Sr. on November 27, 1943. Gary was a very proud graduate of Columbus South High School (Class of 1961) and attended The Ohio State University. At the age of 16 he began working as a Teen Leader for Columbus Recreation and Parks, and soon found his passion and eventual career. He spent the first 12 years of his career working at various Recreation Centers (Deshler, Schiller, Thompson and Linden). He often spoke of how much he loved working with his “kids”, many of whom kept in contact with him over the years.

It was while he worked at Schiller that he met the love of his life, Mary Ann. In 1972 he left the Rec Centers to work in the Adult Sports Department. He began to build and diversify the various programs, including co-rec and women's leagues. In 1987 he was promoted to Director of Adult Sports. He created the Christopher Columbus Softball Tournament, which was the largest softball tournament in the country at that time. During these years he was instrumental in the development of Berliner Action Team for Sports (B.A.T.S.), which has turned Berliner Park into the largest softball facility in the United States. In 1999 he was inducted into the Columbus Softball Hall of Fame, in 2013 became a member of the Ohio USSSA Softball Hall of Fame, and in Diamonds 1-4 of Berliner Park were dedicated to him as the Gary Ogle Complex.

He retired after 36 years working for the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department and another 16 years as a volunteer for B.A.T.S. He was also heavily involved the the Colonial Hills Civic Association, helping to run the 4th of July Celebrations for over 20 years. Whether he was “clowning around”, organizing the parade, or running the concessions the citizens of Worthington knew Gary would be at Selby Park. In addition to his parents Gary is preceded in death by brothers, Dr. Pearl Rexford Ogle Jr. and Donald Wayne Ogle. Gary is survived by the love of his life, wife Mary Ann and children Donald (Jessica), Carl and Robin (Victor) and grandchildren Caroline & Christopher Ogle.

Viewing hours will be from 2:00 - 8:00 on Thursday, June 23rd at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St. There will be an additional viewing on Friday, June 24th from 10:00 - 11:30 am, followed by a Service at 11:30, the Rev. Colleen Ogle is officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the B.A.T.S. Group P.O. Box 16153, Columbus, Ohio 43216 to help support improvements to the city ball diamond parks.