Douglas M. Kinser

Surrounded by family members and at peace, Douglas M. Kinser passed away on July 20, 2025 from complications of Type 1 Diabetes and Parkinson's Disease. Doug was born May 6, 1947 in New Castle, and was preceded in death by Marshall F. Kinser and Dorothy King Kinser, his parents and Glen Mogle, his father-in-law and Marietta Ashley Mogle, his mother-in-law, all of New Castle, IN. Doug was a member of First Friends Meeting in Indianapolis and grew up as a young adult, attending First Friends Meeting in New Castle. He was 78 years old.

Doug married Jennifer Mogle on Oct. 8, 1965. They have two children, Michelle (Greg) Wood of Yorktown IN and Beth (Troy) Scott of Goshen IN. In addition, they have four grandchildren, Joshua (Kenzie) Hart of Markleville IN; Emily (Cory) Chea of Markleville IN; Caleb Scott of Goshen IN; and Hannah Scott – Carter (Stephen Carter) of Goshen IN; two great granddaughters, Josie Lynn Hart and Charlotte Jennifer Chea as well as two great grandsons, Leland James Hart and Rory Samuel Carter.

Further, survived by sister Marsha (the late David) Lundquist of New Castle IN; brother Dennis (Jenny) Kinser of Boulder CO; sister-in-law Debbie (Ralph) Holmes of New Castle; and brother-in-law, David (Bridget) Mogle, of Louisville KY. Further, survived by cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Doug graduated from Chrysler High School, New Castle, IN in 1965. He graduated from Indiana University in 1971 with a B.S. degree in Finance, Ball State University in 1978 with a M.A. in Management, and McKinney School of Law at Indiana University in 1995 with a J.D. Doug was the first family member to attend and graduate from college. Never satisfied to stop learning, Doug maintained his zest for learning throughout life.

Doug's career began at Henry County Hospital in 1973 retiring as Chief Operating Officer in 1995. During that time, he became active in public service and was elected a member of the New Castle City Council from 1976 to 1988 and the State of Indiana as State Representative in Henry, Wayne, and Delaware counties from 1988 to 1995. Doug enjoyed campaigning and representing the people but did not agree with the negative tone that shaped recent political campaigns.

Following service in the Indiana General Assembly, he served as legislative and finance agencies advisor to Frank O'Bannon, Governor. Doug joined Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman in 1999 where he became partner in 2003 and retired December 31, 2012. His working career spanned nearly 40 years in all aspects of healthcare.

Doug received the Sagamore of the Wabash from both Governor Evan Bayh and Governor Frank O'Bannon. In 2012, the Indiana Hospital Association awarded Doug the John C. Render award for public service. Doug was a life member of the Indiana University Alumni Association and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. During his working career, he received many legislative awards and local recognitions. Doug served on several local non-profit boards.

Doug enjoyed widespread work and personal interests. Beginning at age 10, Doug was an Indianapolis Star carrier where he first learned to work with adults, be on time, and count money. In addition, Doug began his private music lessons on an accordion. A few years later, Doug moved onto another job and, for the first time, met girls. During the summer of 1962, Doug drove to Jennifer's home on his bicycle before receiving his driver's license. It was the beginning of (nearly) 60 years of married life.

Doug discovered another interest and decided to take flying lessons in his 1956 shared Piper 140, 1706 J. Flying lasted only two years, a private pilot license and 200 hours, life experiences at Meigs Field in downtown Chicago, flight to Ft. Lauderdale, practicing take offs and landings at his home field in New Castle, Doug had a tire blow out on the runway with his young daughter along.

Doug enjoyed backpacking and, besides local walks, he hiked the Mahoosic Mountains in ME, the Grand Canyon in AZ, the Collegiate Peaks in CO, and the Grand Tetons in WY. A shared interest for Jennifer and Doug was travel. They traveled to 49 states and over 40 foreign countries.

Doug retired in 2012 and with Jennifer, moved to The Villages FL. They lived there until returning to Indiana in 2021 and moving to Goshen. While at The Villages, Doug found new interests and participated in many. Doug was a founding director of The Villages Miata Club and the Indiana Friends Social Club.

Always an avid reader, Doug decided to read as many biographies as possible of Supreme Court justices, both from the left and right. Earlier Doug participated in a Rotary Group Study Exchange to India where he lived with families and met and was on a program with Mother Teresa. He always said India was one of the most influential, significant, and life changing events of his life.

Doug's joy revolved around Jennifer, their children and grandchildren. The family traveled together to Florida and Disney World, Vermont, Hawaii, Brown County and often to Quaker Haven in IN. Doug and Jennifer encouraged their children and grandchildren to enjoy travel and to see different ways of life. Doug had a complete and satisfying life.

Recently Doug was asked if he missed anything. His response – "maybe learning a foreign language well or living in a foreign country probably in Europe, playing a piano like Billy Joel. Seriously, I'm satisfied and happy. Anything I missed will live vicariously through my children and grandchildren but I don't expect them to live my life or have my goals."

Arrangements handled by Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service New Castle. At Doug's request, there will be a private family gathering celebrating his life.

Instead of flowers, please feel free to contribute to a medical research charity of your choice, or to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's, or the American Diabetes Association for Diabetes Research, or the Doug and Jennifer Kinser Named Fund at Henry County Community Foundation. at www.henry countycf.org. All made a significant difference in Doug's life.