Robert L. “Bob” Wiles, 84, of New Castle passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at IU Health, Ball Hospital after a courageous battle with Leukemia. He was born in August 22, 1938 in New Castle to the late John D. and Billie (Morris) Wiles.
Bob was a 1956 graduate of New Castle High School and in 1960 he received his bachelors’ degree from DePauw University where he was a member of the Beta Theta PI. Fraternity. He then went on to receive his masters’ degree from Ball State University and was also a graduate of Indiana Principal’s Leadership Academy.
Beginning in 1960, Bob taught in New Castle for many years both secondary and elementary schools. He coached 8th and 9th basketball, track, football and High School Baseball (with former coach Rex Brooks.) Bob served as principal at Weir, Hernly, “old” Parker, current Parker and Riley elementary schools and finally retired in 1994. He also refereed high school basketball and umpired baseball for years throughout Central Indiana. Bob coached and taught Little League and pre-varsity level baseball at Blue River for some time.
Bob was very proud of accomplishments of the many students he taught and coached throughout the years…including some very notable citizens in society today. He held a special reverence for those he taught and were lost in Vietnam.
Bob was a member of Memorial Wesleyan Church and Blue River Optimist Club. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his son and grandsons, loved golfing, playing basketball, and some semi-pro baseball. Bob was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He also enjoyed visiting Myrtle Beach and Florida. Bob was known for having a great sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife, of almost 27 years, Carole S. Wiles of New Castle; sons, Robert S. Wiles of Black Hawk, Colorado and Dr. John L. (Jan) Wiles of Knightstown; sister, Dee Ann Staley of Carrollton, TX; step-children, whom he considered to be like his own, Megan (Mick) Wright of South Bend, Craig (Koren) McCartt of Greenwood, Collin (Sunshine) McCartt of Indianapolis, grandchildren, Caleb, Owen and Henry Wiles of Knightstown, Clark (Kirsten) Wright of Nashville, TN , Carson (Addie) Wright of Muncie, Chloe Wright of South Bend, Cole Wright of Kansas City, MD, Dr. Kelsey (Cody) Smith of West Lafayette, Lauren McCartt of Indianapolis, Blake and Mary McCartt both of Indianapolis and two nieces.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Steve Staley.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM,. Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Dr. Joe Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, from 4 – 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. You may express condolences or share a memory of Bob at www.hinsey-brown.com