Gilbert Lee “Gib” Houze

Gilbert “Gib” Lee Houze, 95, of Bloomington, Indiana, formerly of Aurora, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024. He was born May 5, 1928, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, son of the late E.F. “Bunt” and Hazel (Courtney) Houze. Gib grew up in Aurora, graduating from Aurora High School in 1946. He attended New Mexico State Teachers’ College, where he was a student-athlete playing basketball for one season. He later attended Indiana University, Bloomington where he met Doris Marie Laker of Dillsboro. They were married on December 11, 1948. Gib and Doris began their married life in Dillsboro where they welcomed their first daughter, Gayla in 1950. In 1952, they moved to Aurora. Daughter Krista (Kris) was born in 1955.
In 1948, Gib began working in the research and development division of Schenley Laboratories, Lawrenceburg, working on the production of a new drug, penicillin. In 1952, Gib moved to Monarch Auto Supply in Aurora. In 1957, he entered the banking business, where he spent 47 years at Peoples Building and Loan Company, later re-named Peoples Federal Savings Bank. Prior to his retirement in 1993 as CEO and board president, Gib often had the opportunity to travel to numerous cities attending savings and loan conventions.
Gib was a faithful member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Aurora. Gib enjoyed collecting antiques, solving jig-saw puzzles, and spending time with friends and neighbors, while residing at Three Mile Ridge in Lawrenceburg. Gib enthusiastically supported Indiana University, especially the basketball program. In addition, he loved the Aurora Red Devils and enjoyed officiating junior high and high school basketball games. He diligently served on the school board of the newly formed South Dearborn Community School Corporation at a time when the location of the new high school was being debated.
Gib is survived by daughters Gayla Klingelhoffer, Bloomington, Indiana and Krista Bill (Don) of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Gib was blessed with grandchildren Kelly Klingelhoffer Pitner (Ryan), Brooke Klingelhoffer Lozano (Joe), both of Bloomington, Indiana. Bradley Bill (Camille) of Noblesville, Indiana and Brent Bill (Maggie) of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Reece Lozano, Jackson, Sydney, and Mallory Pitner, all of Bloomington, along with Keagan and Addyson Bill of Noblesville.
Gib was preceded in death by his wife, Doris (2020) and her parents Albert and Anna Laker. Also preceding him in death were his parents E.F. “Bunt” and Hazel Houze.
Both the visitation and funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Fourth Street, Aurora, Indiana. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 1:00pm on Monday, February 5, 2024. A Masonic service will be held shortly before the start of the funeral service at 1:00pm. Christian burial will follow at River View Cemetery, Aurora, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Aurora.