Gary Grant Drook

Gary G. Drook, a devoted husband & father, visionary executive, decorated veteran, and proud son of Indiana soil, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 80. His life was one of extraordinary breadth, marked by humble beginnings, courageous service, and distinguished leadership across some of America’s most influential companies.

Born in 1945 as the only child to Hubert & Emily Drook, and raised in rural Indiana, Gary’s roots run deep in the heartland. He was the son of colorful and multi-talented parents whose early lives took them through the vibrant world of vaudeville, the big top of the traveling circus with Ringling Brothers, and even minor league baseball before they ultimately settled into the steadier rhythm of farming.

Gary attended Oak Hill High School across from the family’s farm before being the first in his family to pursue a college degree at Indiana University. It was at IU where Gary joined the Sigma Chi Social Fraternity forging many lifelong friendships, and it is where Gary met and quickly married the love of his life, Linda K. Harper.

Gary answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army, where he served honorably during the Vietnam War. His time in uniform shaped his values of discipline, resilience, and dedication – principles he carried with him into civilian life. He remained active as a Captain in the Army Reserves until 1978 when he formally retired from duty.

Following Vietnam, Gary embarked on a distinguished corporate career that began with Indiana Bell, a regional telephone company. Applying much of the leadership and management skills learned in the military, and with an innate understanding of the evolving telecommunications industry, Gary quickly rose through the ranks at Indiana Bell. His leadership helped guide the company through a time of tremendous technological and market change, as the bell system evolved into what would become Ameritech.

Gary later brought his talents to Affina, formerly Ruppman Telemarketing, where he continued to innovate in the field of customer engagement and contract call center operations. He played a critical role in expanding Affina’s footprint before the company was sold to JH Whitney, a NY based private equity investment firm.

Gary participated on the Board of Directors of numerous companies, including VimpelCom which introduced cellular service in the country of Russia and was later the first Russian company to be publicly listed on the NYSE. It was during his time next at Northwestern Corporation in South Dakota where Gary was first introduced to the ethanol industry. Through a family relative, Gary was later offered an opportunity to participate in the development of an ethanol distillery (CIE) back in Indiana, just a few miles from the farm where he grew up, and Gary leapt at the chance. Helping to build CIE into a worldclass distillery was one of Gary’s proudest accomplishments. He loved growing and mentoring the team at CIE and lived long enough to see the positive impacts CIE had on the local community, an achievement he took particular pride in helping to bring about.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gary will be remembered for his generosity, humor, and unwavering love for his family. He remained deeply connected to his Indiana roots, often reflecting on the values of community, perseverance, and honesty instilled in him during his rural upbringing. Gary leaves behind a loving family, a legacy of service and leadership, and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and admirers who will miss his wisdom and warmth. A life well-lived and an example worth following.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Hubert & Emily; his Uncle, Merle; and his oldest Son, Grant. Gary is survived by his wife of 60+ years, Linda; Daughter-in-Law Wendy; Sons Ryan (Anne) and Jason (Kristi); and 10 wonderful grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, June 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Afterward, the family invites you to join them in gathering for lunch at Crooked Stick Golf Club, 1964 Burning Tree Lane, Carmel, Indiana.

A private entombment service will be held separately by the family in Converse, Indiana at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com to make donations on Gary’s behalf to Drook Medical Center located in Converse, Indiana.