Douglas Gardner Toole

Douglas Gardner Toole beloved bard and musician from Indianapolis, Indiana was born on Sunday August 13th 1944 and passed away on Friday May 2nd 2025 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. He passed away gently in his sleep in his home near his loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dianne (Zahn) Toole of Indianapolis, as well as his children Kevin (Carly) Toole, Robyn Toole and Lynn (David(Ullmar)) Toole, his grandchildren Liam Toole, Gavin Toole, Elliott Toole, Harrison Ullmar and Lachlan Ullmar and his siblings Judy (Larry(Lindsey)) Toole, Mike (Faith) Toole and Joe (Sandy) Toole. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Galen Waldo Toole and Susanna Lou (Gardner) Toole.

Doug attended Broad Ripple High School and gave guitar lessons at Arthur’s Music in Indianapolis. In 1964 he played guitar with a band named ‘The Initials Combo‘ and later went on to play guitar with the band ‘Sounds Unlimited’ before he enlisted into the military to serve during the Vietnam War.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969. After his time in the Navy he returned and spent 30+ years working for Dictaphone Corporation in the service department repairing and maintaining computers. Following retirement he continued to write poetry, play music and enjoy reading.

Doug was a lover of knowledge, mysticism, music and history. He consumed books on these subjects and reveled in having deep conversations about the mysteries of ancient civilizations. Doug always enjoyed sharing his philosophies, stories and poetry with others. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Home in Zionsville, Indiana beginning at 12 noon memorial service at 2pm, May 17th 2025.