Derek Lewis Radford

Derek Lewis Radford, a funny, kind and gentle spirit, died Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital after an extended struggle with drug addiction. 

His death came just seven days before his 30th birthday. He was born Nov. 20, 1996, in Indianapolis, a son of Darrel and Becky Radford. 

He was a 2015 New Castle High School graduate. Derek worked in numerous restaurants in New Castle, Muncie, and Anderson. The list includes Bob Evans, Applebee’s, Top Hat Pizza King, Twin Archers, Tax Man, and the Flying J. He was an excellent server who some customers asked for by name.

 Derek loved skateboarding and would travel to different areas of East Central Indiana to perfect his skills. This was before the New Castle Skate Park was built. One of his favorite places was an indoor skate park called “Ollies” in Florence, Ky. Derek would organize a van full of friends to go with him and his dad, who drove the group just beyond the Ohio-Kentucky line for Friday all-night skateboarding. He was an avid roller skater as well, and spent many happy hours at Gibson Skating Rink in New Castle. 

Derek also loved bowling and was a youth tournament champion at a young age in Rose Bowl competition. He and his dad also participated in state bowling tournaments as far away as Evansville. He played Little League baseball as well, where he was a shortstop, outfielder and pitcher.

 Art was another passion for Derek. He loved to literally throw different colors at a canvas and completed dozens of abstract expressionism paintings that were sold at art shows in New Castle and Muncie. 

He loved watching Lord of the Rings movies and Twilight Zone episodes with his mom, Cincinnati Reds and Bengals games with his dad, and musical groups of all kinds with everyone. 

Derek is survived by his parents; a sister, Molly (Adam) Dobis of McCordsville; two nieces, Claire and Hallie Dobis; aunts and uncles Donna Carnes of New Castle; Ron (Melody) Radford of rural New Castle; Tony May of New Castle, John (Cindy) Smith of Richmond; Jim (Nikki) Smith of New Castle; special friend Shonda Sutton of Portland; and several cousins. 

Derek was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jim and Elva Radford; maternal grandparents, Tom and Sara Smith; and a very special aunt, Cheryl Radford May. 

Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at Mt. Summit Cemetery. Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of life is planned at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the Henry County Community Foundation in Derek’s name. A fund will be created in Derek’s name for an annual skateboard competition. You may share condolences and memories of Derek at www.hinsey-brown.com. 

Derek was an organ donor and his gifts could potentially save six lives. If you’d like to be an organ donor, visit the Donate Life Indiana website. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please call the Indiana Addiction Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.