Stephan Paul Hinkle

On Monday, December 11, 2017, Stephan P. Hinkle, husband, father, son and brother, passed away suddenly at the age of 70 years.

A native of Tipton, Stephan served in the United States Army. In 1970, Stephan was awarded the Bronze Star medal for meritorious achievement. He also received  the Purple Heart medal. He left active military duty in 1971 after four years of honorable service as an Army Captain.

Stephan attended Ball State University, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies and worked as an educator shortly after completing his education.

In 1977, he began his career with State Farm Insurance Company as a Claims Representative. During his career with State Farm, Stephan held several leadership positions to include Regional Claims Manager, Divisional Claims Superintendent, and Auto and Fire Special Investigation Unit Supervisor. Stephan earned the professional designation of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) by the American Institute for Property and Liability Underwriters, Inc in 1987. He was also an instructor at Lawrence Technological University in the Insurance Studies Department. Stephan retired from State Farm in 2008 after a rewarding 31 year career.

After retiring, Stephan continued to travel and volunteer with numerous organizations. Stephan was a history buff who served as the Museum Docent at the Old Capital Museum in Jackson, Mississippi.

Stephan is survived by his wife Deborah; his daughters, Heather Leeanne Bohen, Arcadia, Florida and Shanika Palm and husband Rodney, Birmingham, Alabama; his grandson Tyler Bernard Palm; his mother Mary (Meeks) Hinkle of Tipton, and by his brothers Ted Eric Hinkle and wife Lori, Racine, Wisconsin, Timothy Michael Hinkle, Byrdstown, Tennessee and Daniel Kent Hinkle, Tipton. Stephan was preceded in death by his father Robert Vern Hinkle. Stephan will also be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.

A celebration of Stephan’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19, at West Street Christian Church, 132 North West Street, Tipton, Indiana with Reverend Linda McKiernan-Allen officiating.  Burial will follow in Tetersburg Cemetery, Tipton County.  Young-Nichols Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Stephan’s memory may be made to Ball State University Foundation, 2800 W. Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana, 47304.