John R. Mawk

John R. Mawk, beloved father and community figure, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, at his residence. He was born September 14, 1940, in Lewis County, Kentucky, to the late James Woodrow and Irene (Logan) Mawk. John lived a life filled with dedication to family, hard work, and service to his community.

A proud graduate of Mooreland High School in 1959, John excelled in athletics, playing basketball, baseball and running track. At the time of the school’s consolidation, he still held the Mooreland High School record for the high jump. Injuries cut short his athletic career at Morehead State University, but his education was the foundation for a successful career. Retiring after over 40 years from Chrysler Corp as an Area Manager, John was known for his work ethic, production and leadership.

John’s love for sports and his highly competitive nature led him to a career in coaching. His nearly 50 year coaching career started in 1975 with the Blue River Valley boys varsity golf team. The following year, he accepted the 7th grade boys basketball coaching position. Later, he would become the girls golf coach as well. At the time of his retirement from coaching at age 83, he had coached girls golf 24 years, boys golf 31 years and junior high basketball for 44 years. Additionally, John was a fixture at BRV boys basketball games, keeping the scorebook for the JV and Varsity teams for 35 years. John was at the scorer’s table in Conseco (now Gainbridge) Fieldhouse in 2001 when the Vikings made their run to the State Finals. John’s years of dedication to students at BRV culminated with his induction into the Blue River Valley Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. Additionally, the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association presented John with a Distinguished Service Award in 2019.

John also contributed to his community as a longtime member of the Mooreland Lions Club and several fraternal organizations. He was elected and served four terms (16 years) as Blue River Township Trustee. He was also an accomplished bowler, participating in leagues in New Castle and enjoying national tournaments, and won championships in the UAW-Chrysler golf league. His love for the outdoors included motorcycle riding in his younger years and a lifetime of fishing. John was a very skilled card player, and at age 85 was still a part of a regular poker game spanning 6 decades with a special group of Mooreland guys.

John is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Mawk (Greg Reece) of New Castle; grandchildren, Mahaley (Aaron J.) Tietjan and Nolan Wade Hagy, both of Indianapolis; great-grandchildren, Malia Justine Tietjan and Myles Jarrett Tietjan; sisters-in-law, Diana Conwell of Mooreland and Betty Duvall of Sulphur Springs; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 59 years, Madonna E. Mawk; daughter, Shannon Ann Hagy; and brothers, Woodrow Mawk and Teddy G. (Della) Mawk.

A visitation honoring John will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. The funeral service, with Pastor Mark Lomison officiating, will follow on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM. John will be laid to rest in Mooreland Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the Blue River Valley Hall of Fame or Blue River Valley Dollars for Scholars.

John R. Mawk will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his profound influence on the community, and the love he shared with all who knew him. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. You may express condolences or share memories of John at www.hinsey-brown.com.