Donald Wayne Hoopingarner

Donald Wayne Hoopingarner, 96, entered into his new life with his Lord and Savior on the morning of Saturday, April 4, 2026.

He was born January 28, 1930, in New Castle, Indiana, to Perry Clarence "Bud" Hoopingarner and Venus Pearl (Davis-May) Hoopingarner. He graduated from New Castle High School in 1949. Always a hard worker, he completed his senior year as an employee of Modernfold, while also working as a lifeguard at the YMCA.

Don joined the US Navy on December 7, 1951, and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He served aboard the carrier C.V.E. U.S.S. Kulagulf, visiting ports at Philadelphia, Cuba, Haiti, and Goose Bay, Labrador. His ship was loaded and ready to head for Korea when a ceasefire was called. He then served as a plane captain at Hutchinson, Kansas, Air Force Base. He left the service as an Airman Third Class, Petty Officer. He was a very proud veteran who, in later years, never left home without his Navy hat. When thanked for his service, he would always reply, "Well, thank you... I'd do it again, but now they think I'm too old!" flashing a wry smile. He loved to make people laugh.

He married the love of his life, Carol Ann Dunn, on April 24th, 1955, celebrating almost 71 years together. They began their married life on a naval base in Kansas. When discharged, they returned to New Castle. Don then started a new career in the experimental division at Ball Brothers in Muncie, IN.

Later working all day and going to trade school at night, he earned his journeyman's card as a tool and die maker. This led to a job as a tool maker/machine repairman for Borg Warner in Muncie, where he worked for 25 years, retiring in 1992.

Don loved hunting, fishing, and shooting muzzle loaders throughout his life. He gutted an orange and white Volkswagen van and then reinvented it into a homemade RV. With this, he provided wonderful family adventures, including trips to New York for the World's Fair, a trip around Lake Superior, Niagara Falls, Canada, and weekly local jaunts to Ft Montgomery campground. He would later enjoy outings with friends and a camping club where he found the opportunity to do what he loved best... eat good food, visit, fish, and drink coffee.

Don's faith and dedication to daily prayer was unwavering even until his last day on this earth. He was an active member of the First Christian Church in New Castle for many years until moving to a home in the Blue River Valley. He then became an active member at the Mount Summit Christian Church for over 50 years. He was an elder, choir member, youth leader, cook, maintenance man, cleaner, greeter, actor, coffee maker, and food tester. He did it all!

Don touched many lives in many ways. He was known by all as a man of his word who was always ready to greet you with a firm handshake and more times than not, a comforting hug. He loved to chat with people... all people. He had a real compassion for anyone who had a need and would frequently show up at the home of those who had recently lost a loved one to lend a hand or just to visit over a cup of coffee. He felt it was his mission to visit the ill, those in nursing homes and hospitals, and any who were just going through a tough time. No matter what else was going on, connecting with others and doing what he could to help was a way of life for him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Carol, beloved daughter, Donann, and son-in-law, Donald W. "Donnie" Kissick. Much loved granddaughters, Ember Rose Kissick Guy (David) and Shelby Alysse Lyn Kissick Nation (Cory); the fantastic greats, Salina (Cory) Coffey, Hallie (Triston) Anderson, Jessalynn Hamm, Jackson Kessinger, Caroline and Noelle Nation, and Ashlynne and Daniel; adored great-greats, Cannen and Maliyah Coffey, and Chandler and Zoey Anderson; his brothers, Paul (Carol) Hoopingarner, and Gerald "Skip" Hoopingarner and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by many loved ones; grandparents, Clarence and Grace (Flack) May and Perry Claude and Lucy Alice (Owens) Hoopingarner; brothers, Glen and John Hoopingarner; sisters-in-law, Susan, Edith, and Georgia Hoopingarner; brother-in-law, John Gibson; two nieces, Kimla and Debbie, and many special friends.

A service to celebrate Don's life will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mt. Summit Christian Church with a meal to follow.

Private family graveside services will be held at Mt. Summit Cemetery with military burial honors rendered by contingents from the US Navy and the American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Mt. Summit Christian Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home in New Castle.

You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.

The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Donald Hoopingarner.