GREENWOOD
Donald W. Bookout, 83, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, June 15. Don was born on February 18, 1940 to Betty and James Bookout in Wheatland, Wyoming.
Don spent the first 38 years of his life in Wyoming. He graduated from Wheatland High School and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in music from the University of Wyoming in 1962. He went on to direct bands at Basin High School and Lander Valley High School. He then completed his Master’s Degree in education at the University of Wyoming and became principal at Wind River High School.
In 1978, he began his career with Whirlpool in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1981, he moved to Evansville, Indiana, where he led quality assurance and testing teams. Some of his most treasured and rewarding work experiences included travel to India, Italy, and Mexico. He retired in 2005.
Don was active in Studebaker clubs in Evansville and Indianapolis. He rehabilitated a 1950 Studebaker Champion and enjoyed many a summer afternoon drive in it as well as in his father’s Model A.
Don’s life reflected his love of music. He was an accomplished baritone player, respected band director, and brass band enthusiast. While in Evansville, Don and his wife were avid Band Boosters at Castle High School. They attended all of the concerts, shows, and even traveled with the band to Disney World. After retirement, Don began focusing on music performance, playing with the Bend in the River Brass Band before relocating to Greenwood, Indiana, and founding the Crossroads Brass Band in 2012. Crossroads was his pride and joy. He loved every minute of arranging gigs, rehearsals, and performances.
He will be so missed by family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dogs, Ammo and Beau. Don will be missed by his wife, Debbie; daughter Jennifer (Russ); son David (Erin); sister Linda Ferguson; grandchildren Ari and Lorelei; his nephew Brad; and his niece Chris.
A gathering will take place on Saturday, August 5, from 1:00 to 3:00 at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service &Crematory, Greenwood Chapel. You are invited to read Don’s obituary at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com, where you may sign the guest book and leave a personal message for the family.
