Francis Eugene Ley

Francis Eugene Ley, 85 of Tipton died Sunday September 8, 2024 at I.U. Tipton Hospital. He was born in rural Tipton County on April 4, 1939 to Clarence “Bud” and Eva (Weeks) Ley. He grew up in Hobbs, enjoying his childhood in this comfortable community. 

Francis was a 1957 graduate of Tipton High School. He retired from Steel Parts Corporation after 47 years where he worked in the maintenance department. He was a member of the Steel Workers Union #3875 and had served as the President. He served his country in the National Guard and his community as a member of the Madison Township Fire Department. He was a member of the Hobbs Christian Church and belonged to the Moose Lodge in Tipton. Francis served as a precinct committee member for the local Democrat Party. He never knew a stranger.

He had a large focus on the youth and outdoor activities. He served as a foster parent for many years. He enjoyed raising 4-H pigs and he helped start the horse and pony 4-H club as well as the Circle FZ Saddle Club. This spurred his interest in horse riding over the years. He was a member of the Mid America Threshing Association. Many will remember his devotion to coaching in the Pee Wee and Minor League baseball teams and he spent hours in the bowling alley participating in several leagues. He greatly loved to coon hunt and twirl his partner on the square dance floor.

If one knew Francis, they would certainly be able to see his love and devotion to his family. He relished the title of “Dad,” “Papaw,” and “Great-Papaw”. 

Survivors include his daughter Teia Ley (Cindy Mills Ley) of Tipton and his son Chad Ley (Rebecca) of Elwood. Grandchildren are: Cheyenna Mills (Drew Randolph), Haydon Ley (Aubrie Irvin), and Kyra Ley. Francis was blessed with a great-grandson, Hudson Eugene Ley. His siblings include Judy Mallott (Rex) of Greentown, Phillip Ley (Janice) of Tipton, Norma Gibbons of Elwood and a special friend Rex Powell (Nancy) of Tipton. Francis has several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews. 

Francis was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Jacquelin Janel (Hutson) Powell and his children Chris Ley, Dale Ley and Sally Vandevender, and siblings Robert Francis, Shirley Sage and husband Clarence and brothers–in-law Byrd Gibbons and Larry Retherford.

Funeral services will be on Friday September 13 at 1:00P.M. at Young-Nichols Funeral home with Rev. Matt Gaylor presiding. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00P.M. until 8:00P.M. and also on Friday from 11:00A.M. until service time.

Memorial donations to create educational scholarships may be made to: Tipton County 4-H 1200 S. Main Street Tipton, Indiana 46072.