Gahr Richard Wysong

Gahr Richard Wysong, 67, passed away peacefully at 2:30 at Eskenazi Hospital on December 5, 2020.  He was born June 3, 1953 to the late Richard B. Wysong and Rama Lee Wysong.  Family and friends knew him as “Rickey” as a kid growing up and “Rick” later in life; while most of his fellow co-workers knew him as Gahr.  Either way, he made lots of friends along his path of life.

Rickey was a graduate of School #78 and Howe High School (Class of 1971). Rick had lots of fun playing baseball at Community Little League, Senior League from 1962-1969. Rick also played Baseball at Howe High School and later played softball with friends in Men’s Leagues all over town. Rick also enjoyed bowling in mixed leagues and shot pool in leagues throughout his life.

In addition to sports, Rick started fishing as a young boy from lakes, rivers, streams, ponds - anywhere he could cast his fishing pole.  He spent many years enjoying playing poker too.

In his younger years, Rick attended Grace Methodist Church with his family.  As an adult, he enjoyed visiting churches in a random fashion.  The last few years, he regularly attended St Luke’s Missionary Church.

Rick briefly attended Indiana Central before entering the workforce. He began his career at National Liquors Warehouse for a few years. Then Rick became a delivery driver for Federal Express where he worked many years. Gahr, as he was known at Federal Express, made many friends at work and whom he played softball with.  Everyone at Federal Express knew him or knew of him because at the end of the day he always signed off on his radio, “Gahr Loves You”.  All the drivers on the road could hear him and it was his special way of telling them he loved them all.  Many Fed Ex employees over the years have recounted this kindness and it always made him smile.

While delivering to a west side nursing home, Rick heard some familiar music from his childhood.  His parents often sang at home and in the car the whole family would join in singing together.  So when he stopped to listen and knew the words, Rick joined the nursing home group in song.  They enjoyed his singing and so it became part of his routine – joining them once a week for many years. The youngest of the group were in their 70s and the leader/piano player was in his 90s.  The group was comprised of performers from major “Big Bands” and the music selections spanned from the 30s into the 70s.  Rick never told anyone about his performances, but kept them up until his death as they brought everyone joy.

Year after year, Rick donated his early morning hours of Thanksgiving to work at the “Mozelle Sanders” Thanksgiving Dinner Program at Tech High School.  Rick thoroughly enjoyed his co-workers there.  Only after years of his family’s questions did Rick finally reveal why he was always late to thanksgiving dinner.

All his life, he gave purely of his heart to those around him.  "Gahr Loves You!!!"

He is survived by his brother, Andy (Jeanette) Wysong; niece, Jennifer Young and friend, Bob Wilkerson.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the nurses and doctors at Eskenazi Hospital for providing the utmost care possible.  He called them his “healing angels and heroes for working through this Covid 19 pandemic”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Inurnment will take place at Washington Park East Cemetery and some of his ashes will also be dropped off Burney Bridge in Redding, California over a beautiful mountain stream – where his heart was happiest.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FACES Low Cost Animal Clinic, 1505 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana 46201.