Lewis Jay Polsgrove, Emeritus Professor of Special Education at Indiana University and local Bloomington jazz musician, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on June 28th, 2023.

Lew was born in Galveston, Texas, and was the only child of Lewis and Leona Polsgrove. His childhood days were spent on the Texas Coast and in the town of LaMarque where he developed an adventuresome spirit.

He was a witty and gifted storyteller, always happy to share (a tall tale) stories about his many passions. Whether it was about one of his many athletic accomplishments, his experience of playing the saxophone, about his proud Texas roots or his interesting genealogical discoveries, he always found a way to connect with others.

Lew completed degrees in Psychology at North Texas State University and served in the US Army. He then worked as Psychologist with the Kentucky Department of Child Welfare, which led him to pursue a Doctorate in Education from the University of Kentucky. Soon after, he accepted a faculty position at Indiana University and moved his family to Bloomington. During his 35 year career at IU, Lew was a respected leader in the field of Special Education and helped to advance educational approaches for children and youth with emotional and behavior disorders. Always in service to others, he found great joy in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Lew was known to use creative and innovative ways (including a daily comic) to guide and motivate his students.

In retirement, Lew enjoyed traveling the world with his family and friends, fly fishing, and following IU sports. With a lifelong passion for music he helped raise funds for Jazz From Bloomington and was a founding member of a number of musical groups including “Nightcrawlers”, “Cool Tonic”, and “II V I” (251).

Lew’s home was situated in the woodlands and he was drawn to the peace and quiet of his surroundings and his daily encounters with birds and other creatures.

He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Sue, his son Jay Polsgrove (Ann Georgescu), and daughter Kiz Richter (Eric). Always giving his all wherever his attention was focused, he will be missed tremendously by his family, academic colleagues, fellow musicians, former students, and his many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 29th, 2023 from 2-4pm, at The Fields, 1333 Fenbrook Lane in Bloomington. If you are inclined, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewis and Sue Polsgrove Scholarship in School Psychology in memory of Lew Polsgrove, c/o IU Foundation, P.O. Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN, 46206. Or give online at give.myiu.org to the Memorial Gifts Unrestricted Fund and indicate that your gift is in memory of Lew Polsgrove, and it will be redirected to the correct scholarship.