Richard G. Jackson

Richard G. Jackson, age 77, passed away early Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at his home in New Castle after battling brain cancer. He was born in Sullivan County Indiana on April 18, 1938, the son of the late Elza Herbert Jackson and Ellen Margaret Hudson Jackson. Richard was a graduate of New Castle High School with the class of 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Sheila Kay McGinnis on June 22, 1957. They recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Jackson retired in 1995 after more than 30 years service at Chrysler Corporation where he served as a Plant Protection officer prior to achieving an inspector position. He had been a Cub Scout Master at Weir School Pack 457 and for several years had coached the Reds Minor League Baseball team. He enjoyed his hobby of woodcarving and had a lifelong desire to teach others the enjoyment of accomplishment. He had taught many how to carve and was passionate about chip carving crosses and giving them as gifts as he explained the meaning of the cross.

For a number of years he was chairman of the Raintree Woodcarvers Show and Competition held in Henry County’s Memorial Park each year. The event hosted exhibitors from throughout the country. He had won numerous state, national and international woodcarving awards and competitions. The Raintree County Arts Council awarded him the Citizen of the Year Award in Visual Arts and gave him special recognition for outstanding contributions to the art of woodcarving. A long time member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, he was Deacon Emeritus.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Jay Richard Jackson of New Castle; a daughter, Marsha Kay Jackson New (Elmer) of Lewisville; grandchildren, Daniel Aaron New (Nicole) of Indianapolis, Jared Matthew New of Lewisville and Katie Michelle New of Lewisville; a great grandson, John William New of Indianapolis; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Lorraine Enochs, Margaret Elane Peckinpaugh, Agnes Marie Patterson and Anchor Mildred Anders.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015 at First Christian Church, 2000 Bundy Ave New Castle, IN 47362, with Reverends Dr. Mandye Yates and Paul Dale Enochs officiating. Entombment will follow at Green Hills Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Christian Church. Condolences and memories of Richard may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .