Gary Lee Byrkett

Gary Lee Byrkett, 65 of Indianapolis, passed away Monday, June 20, 2016. Gary was born August 21, 1950 in Indianapolis to Robert H. Byrkett and Betty Lou (Haymaker) Byrkett Terry. Gary was active in 4-H, baseball, was a jazz musician and was active in motor sports. He graduated from Warren Central High School in 1968 and IUPUI (Purdue Indianapolis) with an Engineering degree in 1972. Gary went on to work at St. Francis Hospital in 1975 and retired in 2007.

Gary volunteered on the Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Resource Center for Independent Living, later known as accessABILITY, for several years and received his first of two gubernatorial appointments by Evan Bayh to the Indiana Council in Independent Living (ICOIL) in 1996 and was elected State Chairman two years later.
Gary was a delegate to the NCIL conference in Houston in 1999. He received Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award. He served as past Chapter President and co-facilitator of the adult support group. His most recent endeavors include a history research project for the Governor’s Planning Council for People with Disabilities; a photography project of the houses in Irvington. Through his church, he became a Stephen’s Minister.
Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 23 at Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Friday, June 24 at Genda Funeral Home-Rossville Chapel.
Gary is preceded in this journey by his mother and father, his brother Jeff Byrkett and the love of his life, Sharon Kay Arvin Byrkett. He is survived by his sister, Terri Hodgin and nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.