Hobart Lee Risley

Hobart Lee Risley, age 89 of New Castle, passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at The Waters of New Castle. He was born December 20, 1923 in Crawfordsville, Indiana to the late Leroy Harrison and Frances June (Hood) Risley.

He was a graduate from Crawfordsville High School and Wabash College where he received his Bachelors degree He also attended Indiana State University acquiring 24 quarter hours in drama and debate and eventually graduated from Indiana University with a Master’s degree. Hobart retired from teaching in Henry and Montgomery County schools. He was a member of Henry County Indiana Teachers Association and his love for history led him to memberships in the Indiana, Kentucky and Henry County Historical Societies. Hobart was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in New Castle where he was also a former Sunday school teacher and at one time sponsored a Bible club at New Castle Chrysler High School. He enjoyed reading, woodworking, and construction building a garage without power tools and also designed and built a portable basketball goal on wheels in 1967. Hobart also loved gardening and raising trees entering them in several local and state fairs, winning over 100 ribbons. He had traveled to all 50 states and 14 countries and had volunteered with the Meteorology program in the Army Air Force during WWII.

Survivors include his wife of almost 62 years, Helen Risley of New Castle; two sons, John (wife, Zina) Risley of Richfield, NC and David Risley of Camby, IN; nephew, Brian Risley of Valparaiso; grandson, Douglas (wife, Melissa) Paris of Salisbury, NC; several cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert Risley.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in New Castle with Reverend Tom McGilliard officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery-West Lawn Addition. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle and one hour prior to the service Monday. Memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church,1324 Church Street, New Castle, IN 47362 or the Henry County Foundation c/o The Hobart and Helen Risley Family Scholarship with envelopes available at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share a memory of Hobart at www.hinsey-brown.com .