Gary Ray Wishmeyer

76, passed away in the comfort of his home on Sunday, February 26, 2017 from cancer. He was born on February 13, 1941 to Raymond A. Wishmeyer and Velma M. Woollis on their family's horse farm in Corydon, Iowa.

Over the course of his 50+ year teaching career, Gary was an award winning band director who inspired, motivated, and directed thousands of high school and collegiate-level musicians in Iowa, New Jersey, and Indiana. During this time, "Wish" as he was affectionately called, earned almost every honor available to an Indiana music educator: recipient of the Indiana Outstanding Bandmaster Award, inducted into the Indiana Bandmaster's Hall of Fame, President of Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA), Educational Coordinator of the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA), and named to the Who's Who Among American Teacher and Music Education honoree list 20 times. Mr. Wishmeyer was well known as being the award-winning Band Director of the Ben Davis High School Marching Giants from 1979-2003. During his tenure, "Wish" was a 7 time Class A State Champion, 5 time Bands of America National Finalist including National Runner-Up and the 1983 National Open Division Champion, as well as, marched his band in 3 Tournament of Roses Parades and the Inaugural Parade for President Reagan in 1985. Gary judged in over 20 states for Drum Corps International (DCI), Winter Guard International (WGI), and the Central States Judging Association plus numerous ISSMA events in Indiana. He was in great demand as a clinician and guest conductor around the State of Indiana and the Midwest for both concert and marching bands alike. More recently, Mr. Wishmeyer served as the Supervisor of Music Education Student Teachers for the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana.

Gary is survived by his beautiful wife, Pam; his daughter, Shayla (Chris) Jacobs; his son, Dustin; and aunt, Bonnie Clark (Iowa).

A Celebration of Wish's Life will be held on Sunday, March 19th at 2 p.m. EST in the Main Gym of Ben Davis High School. All are welcome to attend and share in this public celebration to honor Gary's legacy as an educator who had a powerful impact on everyone that he touched.

In lieu of flowers, Gary's family has established a Memorial Scholarship in his name to support a Ben Davis High School senior whom is pursuing a degree in music. As a friend, student, or colleague of Gary's, you are invited to make a memorial online donation in his honor through www.garywishmeyer.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Mar. 12, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wishmeyer

15 Entries

Charlie Carlino

April 12, 2024

Wish,
I think of you often. Probably more than I do some of my own family members. You would be just so proud of what your family has accomplished since you left us and them. Pam had a Color Guard Class named after her. "The Wishmeyer Division". Your little girl, Shayla, not surprisingly has just grown up into the most wonderful women, wife, daughter, sister, and mother. Her and Chris are expecting their second bundle of joy in just a couple short weeks. She works so hard and does everything with so much grace. I just know you would be the most proud of her. And Dustin...you and Pam raised such a wonderful young man that grew up into a terrific man. Married and moved to the "Big City" of New York. They all carry your legacy along with them everyday and everywhere they go. You are and will always be truly missed, but you will NEVER be forgotten.

Jack H, Richardson

January 23, 2023

My time in the Ben Davis Marching Band drum line (80-83')
under the kind and dedicated tutelage of Mr. Wish
was truly, an amazing journey, one I will always fondly remember.
And as with so many others whose life he touched,
I feel blessed to have known and learned many lessons.
in music, and life from Mr. Wischmeyer. an exemplarily musician and truly fine man

Carry on my friend, until we meet again.

Jack H. Richardson

Jon Hornlein

July 10, 2020

What a marvelous man! Gary was one of the finest, kindest men I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I didn't know of his passing until today when I just happened to think about Ben Davis and saw this notice. I have loved BD for over fifty years and had the privilege to student teach there under Ray Cox, Darrel Horton and Dave Monotone :). I was so pleased when Gary was hired there, as I knew the great Marching Giants tradition would be upheld. God's blessings, Wish, and thank you for all your support over the years. I'll always love you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jon Hornlein
Realtor/Real Estate Attorney
Former Director of Bands, Cathedral High School

March 20, 2017

Sue and I want to offer our thoughts and prayers. As former Brittany Estates neighbors I remember frequent chats during our walks.

Tom and Sue Glithero

March 15, 2017

On behalf of Truman State University and the Truman Alumni Association, please accept my deepest sympathies.
Sincerely,
Denise Smith, Alumni Director

Guy Blair

March 14, 2017

Sorry to learn that Gary passed away. I had the privilege of having Gary as my supervising teacher years ago 1968 when he was the band director at Montezuma, IA. He made a huge impact on my career. We met again over the years many different places. Hawaii where is band was performing, in Phoenix where I judged his band in the Fiesta Bowl Parade, and Midwest Clinic in Chicago. It was a special phone call I received when my band was selected to perform in The Tournament of Roses Parade. I was a special person both as a friend and mentor.

Gary A Myer

March 13, 2017

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of one of the greats in Music education. Gary was an inspiration to me to enter the field and complete a forty year career. I was honored that he was able to see my band perform in Indianapolis for the four times we made it out there. His musical abilities combined with his leadership and great sense of humor was an inspiration to all he taught and worked with.
Rest In Peace dear Sir.

Aja Moschell

March 13, 2017

Rest In Peace Mr. Wishmeyer

Aja - Class of 2004

John Parcell

March 12, 2017

I add this for a classmate from Cordon, Iowa- 1959- Judy Duden. Wish rest in peace. We'll miss you.

Caryn Turrel

March 12, 2017

Pam and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

Melissa Miller (Montgomery)

March 12, 2017

R.I.P Wish! Thank you for being you, you were hard on us during practice but it paid off! We, class of '89, will never forget you taking us to win the championship 3 years in a row! You also walked beside us in every parade we were in no matter how hot or cold it was! Miss those days & you! You are pain free now & can watch over your family & friends every minute of their lives! You were the best & will be greatly missed! We love you!

Lauren Goodpaster Cooper

March 12, 2017

You are a wonderful dedicated man, and I'm grateful to have known you.

Thomas Curl

March 11, 2017

RIP Mr Wishmeyer. BD '86

Cindy (Kinsley) Zimmerman

March 11, 2017

Rest In Peace Mr. Wishmeyer. Thanks for being such an awesome band director.
BD '86

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