Gayl William Doster

Gayl William Doster, 88, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, service, and philanthropy. Born on February 28, 1938, in Fremont, Indiana, Gayl was the son of Leslie A Doster and Ruth Margaret George Doster. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Neil Leslie Doster.

A gifted student and leader from an early age, Gayl graduated as President and Valedictorian of the Fremont High School Class of 1956. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Indiana University in 1960, beginning a lifelong relationship with his alma mater that would shape much of his professional and philanthropic life.

Following graduation, Gayl proudly served in the United States Army before embarking on a distinguished career in business. His professional journey included positions with Ernst & Ernst, Haag Drug Company, Hook’s Drug Stores, Hook-SupeRx, and Sigma Micro Corporation. Among his many accomplishments, serving as the President of Brooks Drugs and as the Director of Administration for the State of Rhode Island stood as the dual pinnacles of his professional career.

Throughout his life, Gayl received numerous honors and awards recognizing his contributions to business, education, and civic leadership. Among these distinctions were induction into the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Business and Industry Hall of Fame, the Indiana University Distinguished Alumni Service Award, membership in the Indiana University President's Circle, selection to the Kelley School of Business Academy of Alumni Fellows, and receipt of the Claiborne Pell Award.

Gayl was actively involved in numerous social, civic, professional, and business organizations throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Indiana University Marching Hundred, Kappa Kappa Psi, Chi Phi Fraternity, the Indiana CPA Society, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Indianapolis Jaycees, the Indiana University Hoosier Hundred, and the Weimer Group.

His dedication to Indiana University was especially noteworthy. He provided scholarships for students in the Jacobs School of Music and the Kelley School of Business. Together with his wife, Beverly, he established the Gayl W. and Beverly Doster Painting Conservator position at the Eskenazi Museum of Art, creating a legacy that continues to support the preservation of artistic and cultural heritage.

His passion for music and youth development was especially evident through his involvement with Music for All, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and was later inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame. He served as President of the Rhode Island Philharmonic, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the arts and music education.

Beyond his contributions to music, Gayl provided leadership and service to numerous civic, educational, and business organizations, including the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Federation, the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, the Indiana Society to Prevent Blindness, and the Lawrence Central Performing Arts Association. Through these roles, he helped strengthen the communities and institutions that meant so much to him.

He was a man of many interests. Gayl was an active member of Train Talk, a group that brought together local model railroad enthusiasts to share their knowledge, camaraderie, and passion for the hobby. He cherished summers at Lake James, where he spent countless happy hours with family and friends in one of his favorite places. A devoted supporter of Indiana University athletics, Gayl was a true superfan who proudly held season tickets for Hoosier football and basketball for more than 60 years, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his beloved Hoosiers. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his grandchildren perform and compete, whether on the stage, the marching band field, or the court.

A man of deep faith, Gayl was a member of Meridian Street United Methodist Church in Indianapolis and an associate member of Angola United Methodist Church.

Above all, Gayl treasured his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Beverly Gilchrist Doster of Indianapolis; daughter Amy Svendsen (Blake); son Douglas Doster (Amber); grandchildren Dr. John Svendsen, Emma Svendsen, Caroline Svendsen, Jack Doster, and Ryan Doster; sisters-in-law Barbara Gough (Jerome, deceased) and Judith Murray (Robert); brothers-in-law Joseph Gilchrist (Michelle, deceased) and Jeffrey Gilchrist (Mary); several nieces and nephews; and daughter of the heart, Lisa Clemow. He never met a stranger and counts many friends as dear close relationships.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Meridian Street United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church. A private burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Fremont, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana University Marching Hundred Instrument Fund https://give.myiu.org/iu-bloomington/I380013535.html or the Meridian Street United Methodist Church Music Fund https://onrealm.org/MeridianStreetUMC/-/form/give/now.