John W. Mastin

John Walter Mastin, 87, a lifelong resident of New Castle, passed away Monday, October 6, 2014 at Hampton Oaks Health Campus in Scottsburg IN. He was born October 30, 1926, in New Castle, IN., the son of Herbert D. Mastin and Margie (Warner) Mastin.

John graduated from New Castle high school in 1946. He married the late Viola (Vi) Amburgey November 10, 1946 by Reverend Herman Ast at the Messick United Brethren Church. They celebrated their 65th anniversary in November, 2011 shortly before Vi’s death in March, 2012.

John served in the Merchant Marines aboard the MS Gripsholm in 1945. He was the Muncie Star Golden Gloves Boxing Champion of 1945 and he participated in the Brooklyn War Bond Bouts, a U.S. Maritime Service Boxing Show at the Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 28th of the same year.

John retired from the New Castle Police Department in 1968 after serving 20 years. He served as a juvenile officer, police photographer and sergeant while on the police force. Following his retirement he worked for Huntington Industries, Oliver Steel in Spiceland and worked with his brother, Herb, at Institutional Products in Indianapolis.

John was honored to be awarded the Outstanding Citizen of the Year in October 1962 by the New Castle Business and Professional Women’s Club. He was selected by committee for his untiring efforts beyond the call of duty in dealing with the boys and girls of New Castle while a Juvenile Police Officer.

He was a member of South Memorial Drive Church of God in New Castle, the Lake Wales, FL Church of God and the New Castle Lions’ Club.

He is survived by their children, John D. (Sonja) Mastin of Scottsburg, IN, Judy Mastin Letsinger of Port Orange, FL, and Richard D. (Cheryl) Mastin of North Port, FL.; grandchildren, Chris (Carrie), Dirk (Lori), Michael (Crystal), Brent (Charity), Brian, Sherri Sutton McGannon, Lisa Sutton; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he is survived by his brothers Jerry Mastin, Clifford (Alice) Mastin; sisters Josephine (Jo) Walters, Norma (Sterlie) Dishman all of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vi, brothers James (Libby) Mastin, Herb (Elsie) Mastin, Clyde Mastin, Larry (Rose) Mastin, sister Jane and brother-in-law Ralph Estelle, sister-in-law Marlene Mastin and brother-in-law Virgil Walters all of New Castle.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 11 at South Memorial Drive Church of God in New Castle with Pastor Chris Gammello officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240, 800.272.3900, or to South Memorial Drive Church of God, Food Pantry, 3800 South Memorial Drive, New Castle, IN 47362, 765.529.5250. Arrangements are entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Condolences or memories of John may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com .