Gary L. Klotz

Gary L. Klotz of Indianapolis died on December 16, 2018, of complications from a neurological disorder known as progressive supranuclear palsy. He was born on March 10, 1952 in Perryton, Texas, to Alvin and Evelyn Klotz. He attended secondary school at Northwestern High School of Howard County, near Kokomo, Indiana. He never tired of describing himself as “just a kid from Kokomo” in his typical self-deprecating manner.

Gary earned his Bachelor of Arts from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, in 1974, where he became a lifelong member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He majored in political science and briefly attended the Johns Hopkins School of International Relations in Bologna, Italy. He returned to Indiana in 1975 and earned his Juris Doctorate from the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis in 1978. He first practiced law with the Indianapolis firm of Smith Morgan & Ryan. During most of his distinguished thirty-nine year legal career, he practiced law as a partner in the firm of Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman (subsequently known as Bingham McHale and now known as Bingham Greenebaum Doll). He joined the Bingham firm in 1981 and remained there until he retired at the end of 2017. Gary’s practice primarily involved corporate and banking law. For over 30 years, he represented the trust created for the benefit of the University of Florida doctors and others who invented Gatorade in 1965. Gary’s leadership and counsel helped the inventors and their families protect their rights in the trust during the dramatic history of this global iconic brand as chronicled in the book First in Thirst.

In addition to his law practice, Gary took the time to give back to the legal profession through his service as President of both the Indianapolis Bar Association (2004) and the Metropolitan Bar Caucus of the American Bar Association (2008-09). Gary served as a mentor to many younger attorneys and was well respected in the legal community. He always took great pride in his long association with Bingham Greenebaum Doll and in his leadership roles in the bar.

Gary also served on the boards of several civic institutions including the Indiana Legal Foundation, the Day Nursery, and the Indianapolis Ballet. He was an ardent supporter of his alma mater, DePauw University, most recently serving on the committee to raise funds for the Rector Scholarship Endowment at DePauw, of which he had been a beneficiary when he was a student there. Gary was quite proud of the many nearly 50 year friendships he developed at DePauw and maintained over the years.

Gary had many interests beyond law including cooking, wine, and embracing new experiences through travel. He was a proud member of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, a Burgundian wine society. Gary was a most generous friend who took pleasure in sharing the table and bottle with his friends and family. His gentle demeanor and genuine kindness made him the most welcome company.

Gary is survived by Terri, his wife of 26 years; three children, Michael Klotz, Christine Klotz, and Natalie Klem (Tom); two step daughters, Lindsay Mapp (Conrad), and Katie Sundt (Alex); two grandchildren, Collins and Noah; brother, Jay Klotz (Mary); sister, Kathy Reynolds (Mark); nephew, Jeff Klotz; and countless grieving friends and loyal admirers. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Jan Klotz (Cindy).

There will be a calling for friends on Friday, December 21 from 4PM to 7PM. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, December 22 at 4PM. Both events will take place at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on May 25, 2019 to commemorate a life well lived and to remember Gary’s loyal and generous friendship.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gary may be made to DePauw University (Rector 100 Endowment) or Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis.