Gary K. Keck

Gary K. Keck, 75, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, at Redcrest Hospice House following a seven‑year battle with metastatic lung cancer. Gary was born on February 12, 1951, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, the only child of Kyle D. Keck and Betty Jean Polston. He married the love of his life, Marla “Kay” Strange, on August 19, 1972, in Sellersburg, Indiana, and together they began building their lives- first with their daughter, Kerri Jean, and then with their son, Christopher Jordan. A proud graduate of Indiana University, Gary earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1973 and later completed a Master of Arts in Microbiology in 1982. He dedicated 30 years to Bloomington Hospital as Chief Clinical Microbiologist, where he worked in the laboratory alongside his cherished “lab family,” After leaving the hospital, he continued his career as a consultant with Ross Perot Industries and Cerner for an additional 15 years. Gary’s passions extended far beyond his professional life. A talented lead guitarist, he played in numerous bands over the years—traveling, competing, and jamming at home with his best friend Jim, whose friendship spanned 5 decades. He enjoyed the role of adjunct professor, teaching ocular microbiology to students at the IU School of Optometry and Nursing students. He especially enjoyed Scotch Night at Truffles, his favorite local restaurant. He loved taking road trips with his motorcycle buddies, exploring new places, and he was a devoted IU sports fan through every season. A lifelong animal lover, he adored the family pets, especially his loyal companion Porter and his “best girls” Laney, Mimi, and Paris. Through music, teaching, motorcycles, sports, and the animals he cared for, Gary formed many of the friendships that meant the most to him. Of everything in his life, Gary was never happier than watching Kerri and Chris grow into their own lives, and he was never prouder than on their wedding days, witnessing each of them begin the next chapter of the lives he had always hoped for them. When Gary was diagnosed with cancer, he immediately began researching every treatment and clinical trial available to him and connected with online support groups to share and learn from others. Even as he ultimately accepted hospice care, he reassured his oncologist that if a new treatment option became available, he was up for the fight. Gary is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Kay; his daughter Kerri and son‑in‑law Greg; his son Chris and daughter‑in‑law Lexi; Great Danes Paris and Manny; and his grand‑pups Georgie, Sam, Bowie, and Ziggy. He also leaves behind many cherished family members, friends, and colleagues with whom he maintained close relationships throughout his life. Gary would want to make special note of the love and devotion given by Kay. He often said he could not have walked this journey without her as she has truly been his rock. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kyle D. Keck and Betty Jean Polston; his grandmother, Maggie Tobin, who helped raise him after his mother’s passing; his beloved Aunt Jewel & Uncle Johnny Stevens; his mother‑in‑law, Doris J. Crites; and his father‑in‑law & his wife, Farrell & Emma Strange. A funeral service will be held at Allen Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will also be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. A private graveside service will follow at Sellersburg Cemetery. Gary’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Redcrest Hospice House, especially Mary for the exceptional care, comfort, and dignity provided. They would also like to thank Dr. Nassar Hanna of the Simon Cancer Center, who treated Gary with profound respect, partnered with him in every decision, and empowered Kay as his advocate throughout his care. The family is also deeply grateful to their wonderful friends and extended family for the unwavering love and support shown throughout this journey. In lieu of flowers, the family of Gary K. Keck requests that memorial contributions be made to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for lung cancer research. Please make memorial gifts payable to IU Foundation/Lung Cancer Research and indicate “In memory of Gary K. Keck” on your gift. Mail to: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207. Memorial contributions may also be made to Silver Linings Rescue in Bloomington, Indiana, at: https://silverliningsrescue.org/donate/

Tributes

Gary K. Keck

February 12, 1951 - April 12, 2026