Edward Joseph Leyes

Edward J. “Ed” Leyes, 85, of New Castle, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024, at I.U. Ball Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. He was born May 12, 1939, in Hamilton, Ohio, a son of the late Herbert and Margaret (Smith) Leyes.

 Ed retired from Chrysler Corporation following 38 ½ years of service, where he was a Tool and Die maker by trade and a maintenance supervisor. He was a member of the Walter P. Chrysler Car Club, Indy Mopar Club, and his pride and joy was his 1970 Challenger Convertible.

He was a longtime active member of St. Anne Catholic Church in New Castle, where he had served on the Finance Committee, Building Committee for the new church, and the Board of St. Anne Cemetery. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Henry County Historical Society.

 Ed was known for his kindness to others, his ability to fix anything, and his ability to mentor his boys and anyone else. He was a hard worker, resilient, and a good provider who made family his priority. He wholeheartedly supported his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors.

 He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 61 years, Mary Leyes of New Castle, whom he married June 8, 1963; four children, Michael Leyes of New Castle, Jennifer (Dan) Flinta of Fishers, David (Anna) Leyes of Milton, and Brian (Megan) Leyes of Grand Blanc, MI; ten grandchildren, Samantha (Josh) Chatwin of Muncie, Sara (Grant) Mallott of New Castle, Dawson Leyes of Muncie, Alivia Leyes of Milton, Dane, Jillian, and Christopher Flinta,of Fishers, Margaret, Matthew and Molly Leyes of Grand Blanc, MI; a great granddaughter, Olivia Chatwin of Muncie, and another great-grandchild on the way. Also, two brothers, Paul (Anita) Leyes of Tipp City, OH and Matthew (Joyce) Leyes of West Milton, OH; a brother-in-law, Father Jerry Haemmerle of Centerville, OH; a sister-in-law, JoAnn Haemmerle of Columbus, OH; several nieces and nephews.

 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Caroline Leyes and Catherine Leyes; a brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Mable Leyes; his in-laws, George and Margaret Mary Haemmerle; and a brother-in-law, Jim Haemmerle.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 p.m., Noon, Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at St. Anne Catholic Church with Ed’s brother-in-law, Father Jerry Haemmerle officiating. Burial will follow in St. Anne Cemetery in New Castle. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Anne Catholic Church, 102 N. 19th St., New Castle, IN 47362, or the Autism Society at autismsociety.org. Condolences and memories of Ed may be made at www.hinsey-brown.com.