Donald William Poer

Donald William Poer, age 84, of New Castle, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at IU Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born July 28, 1929 in Bentonville, Indiana to the late Claudius Leo and Edith Savannah (Garris) Poer.

Don retired from Chrysler Corporation in 1990 following 32 years of service. A 1947 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School, he was in the HY Club and was on the boxing and wrestling teams. He attended Ball State University where he played freshman football and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. Don served in the United States Marine Corp from 1951-1954. He was a lifetime member of the New Castle Evening Optimist Club and was Optimist of the Year in 1982 and 1994. He was recognized in 2003 for his contributions to the NCCHS Basketball Silver Anniversary Team.

Survivors include his wife, Lova Jean (Denny) Poer of New Castle; son, Doug (Sherry) Poer of New Castle; two daughters, Diane Poer (Ronnie Hinesley) of Sulphur Springs and Holly Elaine Poer Lewis of New Castle; grandson, Christopher Matthew Poer; granddaughters, Ashley Suzanne Poer, Katie Rae Kollmeyer and Abbey Shea Kollmeyer; great granddaughter, Makensie Poer; great grandson, Gavin Poer; brother-in-law, Clifford Denney; sisters-in-law, Beulah Bittner and Lela Hill; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Kathleen Poer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elbern and Pearl Denney; brothers-in-law, Don Bittner and Herman Hill; sister-in-law, Pat Denney.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Eric Haler officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2013 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the New Castle Evening Optimist, c/o Steve Stearns, Sports Center, 2113 South Memorial Drive, New Castle, IN 47362. You may express condolences or share a memory of Don at www.hinsey-brown.com .