Herbert Louis Bunch, 90, of New Castle, passed away on February 14, 2023 in his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 16, 1932 in New Castle. Herb was the son of the late Lonzo and Stella (Murray) Bunch. He graduated from New Castle High School in 1950. He attended Wabash College as a part of the football team. He was in the U.S. Army serving in the Korean Conflict. Upon return, he attended Ball State University earning BS and later a MS and Principal’s License. Herb had a long career in education starting at Lebanon High School, working at the New Castle State Hospital Education and Counseling Department, and ending as the Seventh Grade Principal at New Castle Schools. After retirement, Herb was the Executive Director of the Henry County Community Foundation remaining active there until his death.
Herb was community minded his entire life. His goal was to give back to the community that had given him so much as a young person. His activities included: a seventy-eight year membership of the First Presbyterian Church serving as trustee, deacon, and elder; membership chairman and board member of the YMCA, member of the New Castle Noon Optimist; founder of the flag program; president, lt. governor, governor, and international convention committee member of Optimist International: 1960 membership began with the Henry County Mental Health Association and he was president in 1990-91; Comprehensive Mental Health Association; First Nighters, Inc. Civic Theater board of directors; ARIES, Inc. treasurer, treasurer and board member of Henry County Tourism Bureau; seminar committee chairman of Leadership Academy, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce; Charter member of IASP, merger committee member of ISSA and IAEMSP, president and committee member for various committees for the Indiana Secondary School Administrators organization; NASSP, ASCD, Indiana Middle Level Education Association and committee member of Phi Delta Kappa, St. Judes National Math-A-Thon Council, and ISTA/ISSA/IAEMSP Round Table Committee member. Herb was a board member of Westminster Community Center.
His awards include: Burger King Excellence in Education Principal of the Year 1992; ISSA District No. 6 Principal of Year 1986; ISAP District No. 6 Middle level Principal of the Year 1992; Distinguished Governor of Optimist International 1968 and Distinguished Lt. Governor of Optimist International 1964. Herb was also Citizen of the Year in 2001. He was Grand Marshal of the Memorial Day Parade in 2001, as well. He was a Torch Bearer for the Bicentennial in 2016.
Herb enjoyed traveling, fishing, spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and reading a good book.
He is survived by his wife, of sixty-three years, Judy and three daughters, Lisa Brening (Dave) of New Castle; Allison Dixon (Dave) of Greenwood; Amy Maddy (Dan Pflaum) of New Castle. Herb’s grandchildren are Megan Rabii (Watoii) of Ferndale, MI; Tim Richardson of Asheville, NC; Matthew Dixon of Scottsdale, AZ; Alex Dixon of Indianapolis; Sarah Maddy of New Castle; Sam Maddy of New Castle. Great grandchildren are Easton Richardson of Waynesville, NC; Liliann Rabii of Ferndale, MI. Herb has three nephews John Herr, Paul Herr, and Ben Bunch.
He was predeceased by his in-laws, his brother Robert, his sister Patricia, niece Connie, nephew Arthur, nephew Daniel, and great granddaughter Gwendolyn Rabii.
Herb was blessed with loving care from Lamar Coleman, Laurisa Short, and the Henry County Hospice staff.
A visitation will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hinsey Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Family and friends will celebrate Herb’s life on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1:00 at the First Presbyterian Church of New Castle, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be submitted to the Henry County Community Foundation (Bunch Family Fund) or to the First Presbyterian Church of New Castle. You may express condolences or share a memory of Herb at www.hinsey-brown.com.