Gary L. Keister

Gary L. Keister, age 74 of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:47 pm on Saturday September 13, 2025, at The Waters of Columbia City. Born on April 3, 1951, in Columbia City, he was the son of Nelson and Elizabeth (Kring) Keister. Gary attended Thorncreek Elementary School and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1969. Following that he played softball for several years with Fort Wayne Clutch. On June 30, 1990, he married Penny Baker Bingham. Gary worked as a Process Engineer for Precision Plastics for over 40 years until his retirement in 2016. He loved golfing, fishing, and being at the lake house watching his grandchildren enjoy the lake. Gary was a sports enthusiast and fan of I.U. Basketball, Notre Dame Football, and Chicago Cubs Baseball. Survivors include his wife Penny Keister of Columbia City; son Toby (Carmen) Keister of Columbia City, stepson Shane Bingham of Columbia City, and son Bret (Niki) Keister of Churubusco; grandchildren Riley, Garrett, Liam, Nora, Vivian, and Isaac; brother Barry (Sandie) Keister; brother-in-law David (Michael) Baker, sister-in-law Lisa (Bob) Ross; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial gathering for family and friends of Gary will be held from 1:00-5:00 pm on Tuesday September 23, 2025, at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Private burial in Riverview Cemetery, Churubusco. Memorial contributions in memory of Gary may be made to Whitley County Humane Society. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the online guest register.