History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
The Hinsey-Brown Story
On February 11, 1995 local licensed funeral directors, Phil Hinsey and Kevin Brown opened their business to serve Henry County and the surrounding area. Our vision and dream had become a reality and our goal was to provide excellence in funeral service at a reasonable price.
Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service was established after much prayer, planning, patience and perseverance. The land, an architect, the contractor, and a decorator were all lined up. At last, the day of completion arrived. The ribbon cutting ceremony and official opening was scheduled for mid-afternoon January 16, 1995. Early that morning we were stunned when notified of a fire started by an arsonist. The damage was extensive at the west entrance, but due to an elaborate fire system and the swiftness of the Fire Department, there was only smoke damage in the main hallway. We continued with the ceremony as planned with 150 guests attending.
Once again, prayer, patience and perseverance was our duty. It took only three weeks to repair the damage. We are truly grateful that Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service was, and continues to be, very well received by the community. To accommodate the many families who have placed their trust in us, 4200 sq. ft. were added to the east side of the building and ready for use in December of 1997. Today there are full-time and part-time employees helping to achieve the Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service goal: to provide service that exceeds expectations. In fact, service is so important to us, it is a part of our name.
After several years of serving the communities, the need for a new funeral home in Knightstown became apparent. In March of 2004 we opened our new facility on State Road 109, just south of 1-70. In 2006, we remodeled our New Castle location, adding a room designed just for children, a minister’s closet and facilities to make available for family dinners.
Through the years of changes, one thing has remained constant-our commitment to the community to offer the very best in personal funeral service at a reasonable price. Families who have come to depend on us know that they can trust the caring professionals at Hinsey-Brown both now, as well as into future years. This stability has helped us become the leader in funeral service in Henry County.
Our Caring Staff
Kevin Brown, Funeral Director/Owner
Kevin and his wife, Cindy, have two children, Evan, a student at New Castle High School, and Olivia, a student at Westwood Elementary. A 1986 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School, Kevin attended Ball State University and graduated in 1991 from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.
A lifetime member of the First Apostolic Church, Kevin serves as organist/pianist at the church as well as on the board of directors. Kevin just released his first recording, "By Request" in 2010, on which he sings and plays the trumpet.
Kevin served as President of the New Castle/Henry County Chamber of Commerce in 2009 and remains on the board of directors. He also serves on other boards and advisory committees such as Interlocal Community Action Program (ICAP), Foster Grandparent Program, and Young Adult Professionals of Henry County (YAPA).
He enjoys camping with his family, bicycling, and reading.
Phil Hinsey, Funeral Director
Phil and his wife, Sandra, have two children, Keith (wife, Halie), and Karis (husband, Lundy) Van Duyn. They have one granddaughter, Makenna Sue Hinsey. Phil is a co-founder of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service. He is a graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School and CIncinnati College of Mortuary Science, and is a member if the New Castle First Church of the Nazarene.
Phil serves on the boards for Foster Grandparents and the Christian Love and Help Center. He enjoys playing racquetball, performing in plays at civic theatres, and mostly spending time with his granddaughter.
John P. Henderson, Funeral Director
John joined the Hinsey-Brown staff in February of 2006. He resides in New Castle with his wife, Chrissy. They have two children, Ellie and Jacob, both students at Westwood Elementary School. John graduated from Vincennes University with a degree in Mortuary Science. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, working in the yard and spending time with his family. John was named Employee of the Year in 2008.
Priscilla Thurston, Administrative Assistant
Priscilla graduated from American School in Chicago, Illinois. She and her husband, David of 38 years, have four children and eleven grandchildren. After a successful 15 year career with South Henry School Corporation, she joined Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in 2005 and serves as Administrative Secretary. She and her family attend Memorial Wesleyan Church in New Castle. She enjoys cooking, crocheting, One Stroke painting and scrap booking.
Leanna Gross, Administrative Assistant
Leanna is a 1969 graduate of Knightstown High School and a lifelong resident of the Knightstown area. She graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1973 and received an MA from Ball State University in 1979. She taught several years in the Charles A. Beard School system.
She and her husband, Lenville, have one daughter, Rachel (Jason) Helm, a grandson (Tristan) and a granddaughter (Jocelyne) who serve as missionaries in Mozambique, Africa.
Leanna is a Commissioned Special Worker in the Wesleyan Church, enjoys music, has served with her husband in music ministry for many years, and works with Unitas International. She joined the Hinsey-Brown staff as secretary at the Knightstown Chapel in January, 2008.
Wanda Jones, Aftercare Coordinator
Wanda joined the staff of Hinsey Brown Funeral Service in March of 2010 and serves as the Aftercare Coordinator. A lifelong resident of New Castle, she and her husband, Steve, have four children and seven grandchildren. Wanda graduated from American School in Chicago, Illinois in 1980. She received her certification as an Aftercare provider from the American Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.
She attends Sovereign Grace Church in New Castle. Wanda enjoys gardening, camping and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
David Brown, Monument Consultant
David W. Brown was born and raised in the New Castle area. He graduated from New Castle Chrysler High School in 1984, David is married to Marcella. They have two children, Emily and Tyler. He was employed by Draper Inc for 21 years before joining Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service full time. David is an active member of the First Apostolic Church of New Castle. He enjoys music, church, family, reading, and outdoor activities.
Molly Kohler, Bookkeeper
Molly was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and came to New Castle in 2006. She graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in English. She previously worked for the Grand Rapids Public Schools in various capacities for fifteen years, Molly and her husband, Nigel, have two cats and enjoy historical reenacting together. She also coaches gymnastics at Small Wonders. In her spare time, Molly enjoys sewing, reading, cooking, and artillery. Molly and Nigel attend Memorial Wesleyan Church.
Phil Puckett, Family Services Manager
Philip E. Puckett is a native of Farmland, IN in Randolph County and a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a B.S. in Liberal Arts. While in college Mr. Puckett was a letterman, participating in baseball and basketball.
After a successful corporate career in the Financial Service field, he has been involved with funeral service and funeral planning for the past 20 years. Mr. Puckett joined Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in 1996.
He and his wife, Janet, have four children and seven grandchildren. Beyond family and serving the Lord, Phil enjoys reading, traveling and sports of all types.
Lenville Gross, Pre-Need Specialist
Lenville is a 1970 graduate of Knightstown High School and a lifelong resident of the Knightstown area. He is a Commissioned Special Worker in the Wesleyan Church and has served in music ministry for many years. He has served as assistant pastor and currently attends New Life Wesleyan Church where he serves as worship leader/assistant pastor.
He has traveled extensively taking mission teams on short term mission trips to many countries throughout the world. He served as president of a mission organization for five years and is currently leading Unitas International.
He and his wife, Leanna, have one daughter, Rachel (Jason) Helm, a grandson (Tristan) and a granddaughter (Jocelyne) who serve as missionaries in Mozambique, Africa.
He joined the Hinsey-Brown staff in July of 2007.
Jon McCutchen, Staff
Jon was born and raised in New Castle. He graduated from New Castle Chrysler High School in 2006 and started working for Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in November of 2006. On March 27 of 2010, Jon married Ashley (Bullock). They reside in New Castle with their two dogs and are expecting their first child to be born in April. He graduated from the Mortuary Science program at Ivy Tech Community College in 2011. Jon enjoys riding motorcycles, flying airplanes, skiing and riding his tandem bicycle with Ashley. He attends services at The Sanctuary in New Castle. Jon was also the 2010 Employee of the Year recipient.
Beverly Guffey, Staff
Beverly was born and raised in Randolph County, IN and is a 1972 graduate of Union High School. She is married to her best friend and husband of 36 years, Dudley. They are blessed with three children Chris (wife: Dana) Guffey of Avon, Bryan (wife: Misty) Guffey of New Castle, Jenny Guffey of New Castle and two wonderful granddaughters, Lauren and Ashlyn. Beverly joined the Hinsey-Brown staff in May of 2001. She enjoys sewing, embroidery, quilting, crocheting, cooking and camping.
Rev. Tom Current, Staff
Rev. Jack Hannum, Staff
Jack and his wife, Cheryl, came to New Castle in September of 1985. He served as Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church in New Castle for over 22 years. Jack and Cheryl have three children, Leah, married to Kolby Durham, Phillip, who is attending Indiana Wesleyan University, and Paul, who is attending IUPUI.
As an ordained minister, Jack has had the great opportunity to serve people by helping them through a very difficult time during life. He has had the privilege to offer assistance to families before, during, and after a funeral of a loved one.
Cindy Brown, Staff
Gary Cunningham, Staff
Gary came to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in the fall of 2010 when he and his wife of 45 years returned to New Castle from Newnan, Georgia. They are the parents of three daughters and proud grandparents of eleven (seven boys and four girls) grandchildren. Gary is an ordained elder and has pastored five churches all in Indiana. He has over 25 years of experience in funeral service. Gary and his wife, Donna, attend First Church of the Nazarene in New Castle.
Larry "Chick" Stoots, Staff
Pat Bogue, Staff
Pat resides in Spiceland with her husband of 48 years, Wayne Bogue. She has been in funeral service since 1982 and has been employed by Hinsey-Brown since it was founded in 1995. She started as secretary and secured her life insurance license and was a pre-need consultant. She is now a part-time employee.
Pat attended Spiceland Schools and is a graduate of Highland High School in Anderson. She and Wayne have two daughters, Linda Emerson and Mandy Boyd. They have a grandson and three granddaughters. Pat is very active at Spiceland Friends, serves on the Spiceland Preservation and Tourism Society (Hoover Hall) Board where she has served as reservations clerk and is presently the secretary. She has also served on the Spiceland Alumni & Former Students Association Board for 37 years. She is a member of the Alpha Tau Associate Chapter of Kappa, Kappa, Kappa in New Castle and enjoys sewing, reading, and being with her family. Pat operates a small business from her home, Bogie Bags, etc. Pat was also the 2011 Employee of the Year recipient.
Betty Walker, Staff
Betty joined the Hinsey-Brown staff in November of 2002. After living in many different U.S. cities and Guam during her husband's tours in the U.S. Navy, Betty has enjoyed living in New Castle. She is retired from the New Castle Community School Corporation. She has 3 adult children, 8 grandchildren and a beautiful new great-granddaughter.
John Lewis, Staff
Mike Maze, Staff
Mike was born and raised in New Castle and graduated from New Castle High School. He has been Married to Mikie Maze for 53 years. Together, they have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. They attend South Memorial Drive Church of God in New Castle. Mike served in the Army and the National Guard for 6 years. Previously, he has been a children's youth camp director and has been on many different mission trips.
Ralph Thompson, Staff
Ralph has lived most of his life in Henry County. He currently lives in Knightstown with his wife, Clarice. He and Clarice (Jarvis) were married August 14, 1958. They have two daughters, Suzanne Wallace and Angie Buck, one son, Tim, and seven grandchildren. Ralph attends Faith Chapel Independent Baptist Church in Knightstown. He retired from Delco Remy General Motors in March of 1993. He has worked in various funeral homes for over 25 years and has worked for Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service since March of 2004. Ralph enjoys working with the families we serve.
Dale Riggs, Staff
Dale grew up in the Kennard community and graduated from Knightstown High School in 1962. He has lived in Henry County his entire life.
He served four years in the United States Marine Corp. He is retired from Carpenter Local #1016 in Muncie. He joined the Hinsey-Brown staff in September, 2006.
He and his wife, Vicki, have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Mitch Roland, Staff
Nicole Laszlo, Staff
Nicole Laszlo was born and raised in a small town outside of Lexington, Kentucky. She, and her husband, Mason, moved to New Castle in 2007. She graduated from Transylvania University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and has worked in the mental health and business fields. Nicole enjoys reading, yoga, knitting, and spending time with her husband and daughter, Lucia, who was born April of 2010.
Joy Tinsley, Staff
Joy joined the Hinsey-Brown staff in November of 2000. She enjoys oil painting, watching sports and working outdoors. Joy also enjoys spending time with her family, friends and attending church.
Paul Davis, Staff
Betty Piercy, Staff
Betty is a retired Registered Nurse who worked at the State Hospital and retired from Henry County Hospital in 1998. Working a total of 40 years in the health care. She has worked 12 years at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service where she was in Aftercare.
Betty is married to Floyd Piercy and has 3 children and 7 grandchildren. They are very active in the Memorial Wesleyan Church, where they both have taught Sunday School and served on the local board of administration.
Betty's goal is to work with a servants heart and to help and assist the grieving families which we serve. At Hinsey-Brown, Betty was awarded Employee of the Year in 2009.
Jim Moyer, Organist/Staff
Jim graduated from Spiceland High School class of 1963. He has been married to Jane Moyer for 35 years. They have one son Patrick Moyer, daughter-in-law Emily Moyer and grandson Cameron Moyer. Jim retired from Chrysler Corperation after 35 years of service and is semi retired from Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service where he has worked 11 years. He is the staff organist at the funeral home. Jim currently serves as organist of two churches: Ogden Methodist and Knightstown Presbyterian Church. He has played the organ for over 49 years for different churches. Jim enjoys spending his free time antiquing and flea marketing all over the midwest.
Bob Hinsey, Staff
Bob was born in Muncie, IN and attended schools in Brookville and Muncie graduating from Connersville High School in 1948. He has been a member of the New Castle First Church of the Nazarene since 1963. He was married to Ruth Lynn for 39 years until her death from cancer in 1989. He then married Marilyn Chenoweth in 1990. They have four sons, Dave, Mike and Philip Hinsey and Jeff Chenoweth, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He worked as a meat cutter at Becker Brothers and retired in 1994 after 40 years of service. He has worked at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service for 15 years and retired in 2010 due to age and health. Bob was the 2007 Employee of the Year recipient.
