Dwight William Schuster, M.D.

Dwight William Schuster, passed away on March 16, 2016, born October 9, 1917 in Shawnee, OH a small town known for brick making and coal mining, to William and Clara Schuster later moving to Indianapolis. Dwight’s mother died when he was 16 years old and he moved in with his sister, Marjorie Schuster Springer and her husband, Warren, on the eastside of Indianapolis while Dwight’s father traveled selling insurance.

Dwight attended Shortridge High School in Indianapolis graduating at 17, in 1934 before going to Butler University where he received his degree in 1942. He then attended Indiana University School of Medicine where he received his medical degree in 1944. During his internship he was inducted into military service with the U.S. Army. He served as a medic in Germany during WWII and was discharged at the rank of Captain in the Medical Corp. on February 10, 1945 later joining the Indiana National Guard, retiring as Lt. Colonel Division Surgeon of the 38th division on January 20, 1955.

He did his residency training in Neurology and Psychiatry and received his certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 1950. Dwight had a private practice in Indianapolis from 1950-1983. And then became Medical Director/Chief of Psychiatry at Methodist Hospital (Indianapolis) until retiring in 1989. Dwight practiced Forensic Psychiatry until 2007 and served as Court Examiner for Competency and Sanity throughout Indiana, in many trials and hearings, most notably the notorious Gertrude Baniszewski/Sylvia Likens murder case, as well as the hostage case of Tony Kiritsis.

Dwight Schuster married his sweetheart, Anne Calvert, December 23, 1942 and they were married for more than 73 years. They had two daughters, Carol Schuster Strom, who is deceased (March 2005), and Catherine Schuster Tilford. Dwight and Anne have three grandchildren, Monica Strom Gellman (Jason) of Phoenix, AZ, Matthew Gregory Strom of Fishers, IN and Courtney Louise Tilford of New York, NY. They have five great-grandchildren, Abigail Gellman, Amanda Gellman and Alexander Gellman, AJ Strom and Gavin Strom.

Dwight Schuster was involved in many clubs and organizations and received many honors: member of President Reagan’s Committee on Mental Retardation, Sagamore of the Wabash (2 times), President of Indpls Medical Society, and Indiana Psychiatric Association, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine, Alumni Trustee of Butler University, Board of Crossroads Rehabilitation Center, Advisory Council of National Institute of Drug Abuse, Indiana Medical History Museum, fundraising for Facial Cranial Research and Care, and most recently recognition as an Outstanding Alumni of Shortridge High School. He was a member of Broad Ripple Sertoma, Service Club of Indianapolis, Scottish Rite, and the American Legion. Dwight also belonged to Second Presbyterian Church where he assisted in the development of their counseling center, CenterPoint Counseling.

A quiet and unassuming man with humble beginnings, Dwight spent his life helping others with a gentle ear, offering wisdom and support to family, friends and community. He earned recognition for his work and community accomplishments but also the love and respect of his family and friends. Dwight Schuster has set an amazing example as a person of integrity, honor, compassion and kindness for his family and friends that will carry on throughout their lives.

Visitation will be Monday, March 21, 2016 at Flanner and Buchanan-Broad Ripple from 4 – 7 PM. Services will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation an hour prior, at Second Presbyterian Church at 7700 N. Meridian St., Indpls 46260. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either 2nd Presbyterian Church CenterPoint Counseling Center, IU School of Medicine-Class of April 1944 Scholarship, Butler University or the Methodist Hospital Foundation.