Our Staff

George (Marty) Ballard BA, MPC, Funeral Director

Marty is a 1975 graduate of Shenandoah High School. He received his B.A. in Business in 1979 from Hanover College, and his Associate Degree of Applied Science in Mortuary Science from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1981. He attended Christian Theological Seminary and received his Masters Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Olivet Nazarene University in 1998. He is an ordained elder and retired as the lead pastor at the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene in Yorktown, IN after 12 years.

He is Past Master and Secretary of the Middletown Masonic Lodge, Past President, Secretary, and Former Fair Board Co-Chairman of the Middletown Lions Club, an eleven year member of the Middletown E.M.S. where he served as Training officer and had formally been on staff with the Middletown Church of the Nazarene. He has been co-chairman with his wife Gina of the Middletown Fall Funfest and was part of the Wall That Heals committee.

Marty has been awarded EMT of the year, Lion of the Year, the first Business Associate of the Year by the ABWA, and was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Otis Bowen, M.D. in 1979.

Gina and Marty have been married 42 years and have two children. Their son Ryan is a licensed Paramedic . Ryan is also a licensed Funeral Director. Ryan's wife Tracy is a nurse instructor at IU Health and part of the trauma tema with the Indy Racing League..

Kayla, is a licensed addiction counselor in Indiana. She also is very involved in music ministry. Her husband Tim is a nurse practitioner at Henry County, a licensed realtor with FC Tucker, and is a Henry County Paramedic.

Gina Ballard, Family Assistant

Gina is a 1977 graduate of Shenandoah High School and a 1981 graduate of Indiana Business College. She had worked for over ten years in the clerical departments of the Center for Mental Health in Anderson and was Operations Manager for Emergency Medical Transport Ambulance in Muncie for two years.

She has been active in school functions including the Shenandoah Elementary Mothers Club and assisted in it's creation in the Middle School. She and her husband Marty have worked together in ministry at the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene in Yorktown, IN . She was also the adult coordinator for three teen Work and Witness trips for the TeeNaz youth group in Middletown, IN. She is co-director of the Middletown Fall Fun Fest.

Gina and Marty have been married 42 years and have two children and four wonderful grand children.

Kevin D. Brown, Funeral Director/Owner

Kevin and his wife, Cindy, have two children, Evan, a 2014 graduate of Tri High School and Olivia, a 2017 graduate of Tri High School. 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 in New Castle, Kevin serves as organist/pianist at the church as well as on the board of directors. Kevin released his first recording, "By Request" in 2010, on which he sings and plays the trumpet. Kevin is a board member of the New Castle/Henry County Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on other boards and advisory committees such as Henry County Community Foundation Development Committee, Foster Grandparent Program, and is secretary of the board of Hightower Services, a subsidiary of Indiana Funeral Directors Association. He enjoys camping with his family, collecting antiques, and is a Mopar enthusiast.

Cindy Brown

Cindy attended Greenwood High School and Solano Community College in Fairfield, CA. She is employed as a full-time bus driver with New Castle Community School Corporation. She assists in special projects and events at the funeral homes and also assists with keeping the facilities in tip-top shape with her decorating skills. She is a member of the First Apostolic Church in New Castle where she serves as Sunday School teacher and assistant treasurer. She and her husband, Kevin, have two children, Evan, and Olivia, a senior at Tri High School. Cindy enjoys interior decorating, exercising, and traveling/camping with her family.

John P. Henderson, Funeral Director/General Manager

John joined the staff in February of 2006. He resides in New Castle with his wife, Chrissy. They have two children, Ellie, a student at Westwood Elementary School and Jacob, a student at New Castle High School. John graduated from Vincennes University with a degree in Mortuary Science. He is a member of First Apostolic Church in New Castle. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. John is a Funeral Director and Director of Operations at all locations and in 2012, he became a co-owner. John was named Employee of the Year in 2008.

Shane A. Williams, Funeral Director

Shane joined the staff in 2015. He is a 1997 graduate of Pendleton Heights High School and a 2017 graduate of the Mortuary Science program at Ivy Tech Community College. Shane enjoys spending time with his daughter Isabelle and assists with coaching for her travel basketball team. Shane is also a member of the Markleville Masonic Lodge #629.

Ryan Ballard EMT-P, Funeral Director

Ryan is the older child of Marty and Gina. He is a graduate of Shenandoah High School and attended Ball State University.

He has been a member of the Middletown Fire Department and worked throughout high school at Howell Farms near Middletown.

He is a nationally certified paramedic and has worked for Methodist Hospital and Wishard (Indianapolis EMS) and Wayne Township Fire Department in Indianapolis. He also has served as a paramedic for Henry County EMS.

Ryan served his internship under the direction of our friends at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Services in New Castle and is now a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer.

He is married to his wife, Tracy (Roop) who is currently a Registered Nurse with IU Health/Ball Memorial Hospital and is a former Lifeline Flight Nurse. She also travels with the medical crew with the Indy Racing League.

They are the proud parents of Kennedy Madeline, Madyson Lynne and Monroe Ann.

They are residents of Yorktown/Daleville area and active in the YMCA of Yorktown, the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce and the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene. Ryan is also a Delaware County Councilman, founder of a nationally recognized podcast on funeral directing, and an advocate for emergency services in the state of Indiana. He testified before the state house committees on ems and assisted with Shane Hardwick, EMT-P and Representative Karlee Macer on new legislation for EMTS' s and Paramedics concerning compensation for families who lost their loved ones due to injury on the job.

Jonathan R. McCutchen, Funeral Director/Operations Manager

Jon was born and raised in New Castle. He is a 2006 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School and started working for the funeral homes in November of 2006. Jon married Jessee Brammer of Rushville on December 8, 2019 and has two children Carson Grant, a fifth grade student, and Adalyn Grace, a third grade student both at Wes Del Elementary School. Jon is a 2011 graduate of the Mortuary Science program at Ivy Tech Community College. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, aviation and snow skiing. He is currently the Treasurer and is a Past President of New Castle-Henry County Kiwanis Club, a member of Elks #484 and he currently serves on the Glen Oaks Advisory Board. Jon was named the 2010 Employee of the Year.

Phil Hinsey, Funeral Director

Phil and his wife, Sandra, have two children, Keith (wife, Halie), and Karis (husband, Jayson) McGee. They have four grandchildren, Makenna Sue Hinsey, Kamden Robert Hinsey, Kenlie Paige Hinsey and Adeline Grace McGee. Phil is the co-founder of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service. He is a 1979 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School and 1982 graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and is a member of the New Castle First Church of the Nazarene. Phil serves on the boards for First Church of the Nazarene, Foster Grandparents and the Christian Love and Help Center and is a member of Noon Optimist. He enjoys playing racquetball, performing in plays at civic theaters, and mostly spending time with his grandchildren.

Wanda Jones, Advance Planning Advisor

Wanda erves as our full-time Advance Planning Advisor. A lifelong resident of New Castle, She and her late husband, Steve, have four children and ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Wanda graduated from American School in Chicago, Illinois in 1980. She has certifications in Bereavement Skills Training with Dr. Alan Wolfelt from the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Ft. Collins, Colorado and 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.

Larry Howard, Staff

Gary High, Staff

Gary was born in Anderson, Indiana. He was part of the class of 1961 of Middletown High School. He retired from Avestsa Polarit in New Castle in 1998 after 32 years as a pipefitter. He and his wife Nancy (Hines) have been married for 52 years and are the parents of 1 son: Michael High and grandparents of 2 children: Kelsey and Jacob as well as one great grandaughter. He is a member of the Middletown Church of the Nazarene where he serves both on the Board of Trustees and the Building Committee. Gary has been involved with the ministry at the funeral home for 15 years. "I believe it's a calling. I love to help people and this situation puts me in a position to reach out to families at a time when they need care the most. I look at it as an honor to have been placed where God can use me."

Jen Poor, Aftercare Coordinator

Jen joined Ballard and Sons in 2022 as our Aftercare Coordinator. She is a 1988 graduate of Union High School in Modoc. Jen and her Husband, Shanon, reside in New Castle and attend Sovereign Grace Church. Together, they have four children and three grandchildren.

Jen enjoys cooking, taking trips to Florida and West Virginia and spending time with her family.

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, where he served in music ministry for many years, was assistant pastor and currently attends Memorial Wesleyan Church. He has traveled extensively taking mission teams on short term mission trips to many countries through out the world. He served as president of a mission organization for five years and is currently leading Unitas International, facilitating ministry in Mozambique and South Africa. He and his wife, Leanna, have one daughter, Rachel (Israel) Helm-Jovo and four grandchildren who serve as missionaries in Mozambique and South Africa. He joined the funeral home staff in July of 2007.

Gerald J. Myers, Staff

Gerald J. Myers was raised in the Springport area. A former barber, he retired from Chrysler Corporation in 2006. He and his wife, Sue, reside in New Castle and have five children, eighteen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. They attend Sulphur Springs Christian Church. He enjoys spending time outdoors and playing golf.

Ethan Hethcox, Staff

Ethan is a 2016 graduate of New Castle High School and is currently enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College. Ethan is a member of Turning Point Life Center in New Castle. He currently serves as the Indiana Children’s Ministries Director for the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is also an evangelist focusing on children’s ministry. Ethan enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends. He finds great pleasure in decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas! For the last ten years, Ethan has put up a large Christmas display in New Castle which has since moved to Mooreland. Ethan feels it is an honor to work with the families at the funeral homes and is always happy to help in any capacity he can.

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 funeral home staff in September, 2006. He and his wife, Vicki, have 3 children and 9 grandchildren.

Mitch Roland, Staff

Mitch has lived in the Knightstown area all his life. He and his wife, Sheryl, have been married 45 years. They have 3 children Michael, Eric and Kelli. He and his wife are members of the First Christian Church of Knightstown. He retired from Chrysler Corporation in 1998 after 31 years of service and started working for the funeral home in the fall of 2011. Mitch enjoys being with family, riding his motorcycle, serving at church and working with people.

Ben French, Funeral Celebrant

Ben and his wife, Pat, live in Mt. Summit Indiana. They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Ben attends Mt. Summit Christian Church where he currently serves as Elder and on the Board. After retiring from his business, Ben attended Funeral Celebrant Training in July of 2018. Ben is trained to bring a personal touch and a celebration of life experience to grieving families through his training and also, his life experiences. Ben has owned a business, has been very active in his church, and has made it his mission to help with pastoral care through his church and friends. Funeral Celebrants seek to meet the needs of families during their time of loss. Ben serves by providing a funeral service that is personalized to reflect the personality and life-style of the deceased.

Jon Ballard BA, MBA, Funeral Director-Retired

Jon is a 1970 graduate of Shenandoah High School. He recieved his bachelors degree from Anderson University in 1974, an associates degree in Mortuary Science from Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1979, and a Masters of Business Administration from Anderson University in 1999.

He is a member of the Daleville Lions Club, the Daleville Masonic Lodge, and was very active in Youth Volleyball both at Daleville High School and in Delaware County.

He had served the Salem Township E.M.S. as an E.M.T. for several years, and was a District Director for the Indiana Funeral Directors Association.

Jon is married to Brenda, who is a registered nurse at St. Johns Hospital. They have two children. Their daughter, Katie Leas, is also a registered nurse at St. Johns working in the cardiac rehabilitation department. Katie is married to an amazing and hardworking man, Mick Leas, who works for Hagerman Construction Company. They have five children, Peyton, Maycee, Aubrey, Ellie, and Cambrie. Jon's son Kyle is a cook at Anderon University. He is married to Leanne and they have one adorable son: Samuel.

In Loving Memory George Ballard, Founder 1917-1988

George M. Ballard had worked for many years in the New Castle area. He was a graduate of New Castle High School and the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis.

He was a member of the Middletown Fire Department, the Middletown Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, and had worked for over 40 years as a funeral director.

He fought a long battle with cancer passing away in 1988. He cared for people and loved his family. He taught us how to care for people and we are grateful.

In Loving Memory Dorothea Ballard

Dorothea Ballard is a native of Merrill, Wisconsin. She graduated Franlin Blvd. School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois and worked for many years as a Registered Nurse.

She is a member of the Womens Club of Middletown, the Psi Iota Xi Soreity, the Middletown United Methodist Church, and President of the Womens Circle of the church. She is a member of the Middletown Order of the Eastern Star and Middletown Fall Creek Historical Association.

She has served on the Henry County Mental Health Board, the Dietrich Memorial Park Board of Directors, the Henry County Health Board and many other organizations.

She continues to stay active in the community and swims three times a week at Live-rite Health Club in Anderson. She continues to be activly involved in the funeral home and loves helping people.

She has become active in the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene where her son is Senior Pastor.

In Loving Memory Bobby Watters

Bobby Daniel Watters, 70, resident of Daleville went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday evening at Community Hospital in Anderson.He was born in Barthell, Kentucky, November 9, 1944, the son of Henley and Lillie Ledbetter Waters.He was preceded in death by his parents, a son: Stephen Watters in 1966, brothers: Simon, Goldman, Phillip, Dakota, Ronald and Fleanor Waters as well as a sister: Laura Mullin.He retired from General Motors in 1995 after 31 years of service. He worked as a licensed real estate agent for Huffman Realty in Daleville before moving to Coldwell Banker Lunsford Realty for many years.He worked as a greeter with the Ballard family at Ballard & Sons Funeral Homes for several years and was Past Master of the Daleville Masonic Lodge where he had also served as Secretary for many years.He was named a Kentucky Colonel by the Kentucky governor.He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis and the York Rite of Middletown.He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Daleville Schools and served on the Delaware County Counsel. He drove for Econoway/Overland Tour Motorcoach Company for many years and had driven for Star of America Lines.He was a founding member of the ""Shoemaker and McDonald's"" Coffee Clubs of Daleville.He was a member of the Ross Grove Baptist Church in Revelo, KY.He enjoyed attending Daleville Schools sporting events, talking and meeting with people. He loved to travel and he was always known for his smile.He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years: Anna (Coffey) of Daleville, daughters: Carol Harris (Jeff) of Daleville and Teresa Riddle (Scott) of Daleville, grandchildren: Tyler Harris and Allison Harris, Mackenzie and Morgan Riddle, brothers: Brent Arnold Waters of Muncie, John Watters (Rachel) of Kentucky, Dallas Watters of Tennessee, Don Watters (Charlotte) of Daleville, David Watters (Wilma) of Daleville, Jimmy Waters of Kentucky, sisters: Corina Levell and Louise Spradlin of Daleville.

In loving Memory: Rev. Tom H. Current

Rev. Thomas “Tom” H. Current, 91, of New Castle, passed away Friday, July 2, 2021 at Heritage House of New Castle. He was born April 23, 1930 in Muncie, Indiana, a son of the late Charles and Minnie (Duke) Current. Tom attended Center High School near Blountsville and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, including a year in Korea. He attended the Crossroads Bible College in Farmland at the beginning of his ministry and pastored several churches in central Indiana, most recently the Eastside Community Church in New Castle. He was presently a member of the Blountsville Christian Church and held his ministerial credentials through the Midwest Congregational Fellowship until 2017. He had worked at Corfine, Inc. in Muncie for 12 years, Ball Brothers in Muncie for 12 years, and was self-employed in trucking for several years. He also worked at Main and Frame Funeral Home for several years, and worked at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service for 17 years. Tom will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.

In Loving Memory: Joy Tinsley

Joy Tinsley, 79, of New Castle, passed away Saturday, February 13, 2016 in the home of her son, following a brief illness. She was born March 23, 1936 in Soldier, KY, a daughter of the late Farris and Clara (Cline) Johnson. A 1954 graduate of New Castle High School, Joy enjoyed participating in her class reunion activities. She owned and operated Joy’s Shoes in New Castle for over 20 years, where she became good friends with many of the ladies in the community. She had also been employed at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service for the past 15 years, where she was much like family to her colleagues. She had previously attended the South Memorial Drive Church of God, and presently attended Grace Baptist Church in New Castle. An accomplished artist, Joy enjoyed oil painting, working in her flower gardens, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and her beloved dog, Charlie. Joy will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to have known her.

In Loving Memory: Bob D. Hinsey

Robert D. "Bob" Hinsey, age 84, of New Castle, passed away, Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Glen Oaks Health Campus. He was born August 8, 1929 in Muncie, Indiana to the late C. Earl and Doris (Ray) Hinsey. He had been employed at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service as a Funeral Director's Assistant and was named 2007 Employee of the Year. Bob was a 1948 graduate of Connersville High School. He retired from Becker's IGA, in New Castle in 1994, where he worked as a meat cutter for 40 years. He was a member of First Church of the Nazarene where he had served on the board and as church treasurer. Bob had also taught Sunday school and had been supervisor for the Children's Department for many years. Bob will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.

In Loving Memory: Jim H. Moyer

James H. “Jim” Moyer, age 68, of Noblesville, formerly of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly at his residence, Thursday, December 20, 2012. He was born September 18, 1944 in Henry County, Indiana to the late Herbert L. and Oma (Markle) Moyer. A Spiceland native, he graduated from Spiceland High School in 1963. He retired from Chrysler Corporation in New Castle in 1999 following 34 years of service. He had also been employed at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service since 2000 where he was also staff organist. An accomplished organist since 1962, Jim had served as organist for several churches in Henry County and played at numerous weddings, funerals and a myriad of other functions. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #91. He was an avid antique lamp collector, but enjoyed all antiques. Jim will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.

In Loving Memory: John K. Lewis

John was a very integral part of our Hinsey-Brown family. He passed away February 23, 2012 following an extended battle with cancer. He was born February 20, 1931 in Indianapolis, a son of the late Robert C. and Edith M. (Prentice) Lewis Sr. A 1948 graduate of Broadripple High School in Indianapolis, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserves and co-owned along with his father and brother, Lewis Electric in Indianapolis from 1947-1952. He retired from Western Electric in Indianapolis in 1991. John also had farmed in Sheridan before moving to Knightstown in the early 1970’s, where he also farmed for several years. He had also worked at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle and Knightstown for the past nine years. He was a member of the Center Christian Church. John enjoyed fishing, hosting community events, and enjoyed being with people in general. An avid woodworker, John had belonged to Raintree Woodcarvers, and had also built houses, done excavating work, worked with stained glass, and also enjoyed listening to good music. John will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.

In Loving Memory: Helen Morris

Helen was a very integral part of the Hinsey-Brown family. She passed away February 9, 2006 following a battle with cancer. She was born September 11, 1926 in Shelbyville, a daughter of the late Dennis and Della Shoemaker Sipes. Helen was a self employed beautician until 1972 and employed by Knightstown Elementary School from 1980 - 1992. She worked at the Hats Off gift shop in Knightstown. She was currently employed at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service-Knightstown Chapel. She graduated from Knightstown High School in 1945. She was a member of the Shirley Friend's Church and the Shirley Friend's Missionary Society. Over the years she has had many hobbies. She loved reading, sewing, rummage sales and cooking. She spent hours upon hours assisting her husband Joe in his ministry duties which included his schooling, studying, calling and attending all church activities. When Joe, who was blind, was presented with his diploma, the school awarded the same to Helen, due to the fact she read all the books and spent the same amount of time assisting Joe with his studying. Gammy loved spending time with her granddaughters. Kate's, Cori Beth and Kelly's friends referred to Helen as Gammy; also they loved spending time in her home. The memories that she has created for the girls were not only fun for them but also for their Gammy. Helen is deeply missed by everyone who had the privilage to have known her.