LEWISVILLE – Paul R. Hinebaugh, 93, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening January 15, 2025. Paul was born on April 21st, 1931, in Wayne County, Indiana to Harry and Irene (Boughner) Hinebaugh. He lived in Cambridge City during his youth and was introduced to developing a work ethic at an early age. His father passed away when Paul was three years of age, leaving his mother, sister and him to live on their own. As soon as he was able, Paul got a variety of jobs to contribute to the family.
His strong work ethic, impeccable integrity, and forthright honesty got him hired by several businesses in Cambridge City. In his youth, Paul liked working on cars and enjoyed going to sprint car races with friends. He was drafted into the Army soon after graduation from Lincoln High School. Paul served in the 101st Airborne as a sergeant in the 7th Infantry Division. He was stationed in Korea in 1951-53 and experienced combat north of the 38th parallel. Paul steadfastly loved his country, later evidenced by the stately flagpole and American flag in his front yard as well as understood by the manager of Acapulco Joe’s playing Kate Smith’s “God Bless America” on the jukebox whenever Paul arrived.
Returning to the U.S., Paul one day eyed a beautiful former Lewisville Bears cheerleader, Nancy Henry, and they were married on October 1st, 1954, in the Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church near Straughn, Indiana. They lived in Cambridge City until 1963, when the family moved to Lewisville, Indiana. Paul worked for several construction companies and became a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of the Local 103 Operating Engineers. One of the companies he was proud to have worked for was the J. S. Sweet Co. of Cambridge City. During the construction work off-season, he drove a semi, transporting various goods on long hauls in-state and out-of-state.
Cars and racing continued to be Paul’s passion into adulthood, and his sparkling El Caminos attracted many envious stares. His other interests included Larry Bird, Glenn Miller, Tex Beneke, Swing bands and of course, sports. For years, Paul’s neatly kept home and immaculately-landscaped yard were admired by thousands of passersby on U.S. 40. In retirement, he enjoyed visiting his buddies at the American Legion or at the Flying J and he was known for his quick wit and sports knowledge. He frequently drove to Florida to visit relatives and reminisce with fellow Army veterans.
He was extremely proud of his four daughters. Like out of a Hollywood movie, he bravely packed the family into a station wagon and drove to California one summer. He taught each teenaged daughter how to check the oil and change a tire on her vehicles. They also learned to mow the yard to his standards and unhesitantly joined in to help out with any job or project, regardless of how strenuous or how complex. All four girls had paper routes. The work ethic had come full circle.
Paul enjoyed interacting with his grandchildren, always willing to listen to them and giving them basketball pointers for shooting his old school one-handed set shot or coaching them to “use the backboard.” The great-grandchildren were welcomed by him as well, providing a new audience for his melodious rendition of “Won’t You Wait ‘Til the Cows Come Home.” Paul was baptized in the Cambridge City Baptist Church and he attended Salem United Methodist Church for nearly 70 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Alice (Hinebaugh) Hutchinson; son-in-law, Steve Dicken; granddaughter, Lori Rudisill; great-granddaughter, Ruth McAllister. Paul Hinebaugh is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nancy (Henry) Hinebaugh; their four daughters, Chris Dicken of New Castle, Paula (Tony) Ortman of Knightstown, Jean Ann (Dr.Allan) McAllister of New Castle, and Kay (Greg) Dugger of Noblesville; thirteen grandchildren, Wesley Dicken, Aaron Dicken, Luke Dicken, Phillip Ortman, Janice Sullivan, Daniel Ortman, Ryan McAllister, Marc McAllister, Drew McAllister, Michael McAllister, Jenny McAllister, Jacob Dugger and Abby Dugger; and fourteen great-grandchildren; a niece, Jeri (Hutchinson) Beckstedt of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by funeral services at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday January 23, 2025 at the Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, Dublin. Pastor Rob Upchurch will officiate. Burial with military funeral honors conducted by contingents of the United States Army and the American Legion will follow at the Lewisville Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Salem United Methodist Church, Henry County Community Foundation, or the charity of your choice.