Leon Phelps Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Leon Phelps, 80, of New Castle, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of Thursday, June 25, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 5, 1940, in Somerset, Kentucky, a son of the late Leslie and Lora Phelps. Leon moved to New Castle in 1959 to work for Jefferson-Smurfit Corporation. He worked at both the New Castle and Anderson Plants before retiring on February 6, 2004, following 40 years of employment. He also worked for Kern’s Nursery for many years. Leon married the love of his life, Ruth Smith, of July 9, 1960. They were members of Eastside Community Church in New Castle. Leon enjoyed playing horseshoes, camping, and fishing. He was an avid sports lover and for many years coached Little League Baseball. He was a family man and they were always his number one priority. Those left to cherish Leon’s memory include his loving wife of almost 60 years, Ruth Phelps; three caring children, Debra (Kevin) Garner of New Castle; Jeffrey (Shannon) Phelps of North Carolina, and Randy (Molly) Phelps of Warsaw, VA; 13 grandchildren, Brandy, John, Amber (Chris), Nathan (Cassie), Kimberly, Kyle, Gregory, Eric, Mikayla, Tristan, Heather, Nicki, and Ashley; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Delpha Sawyer of Columbia, SC, and several nieces and nephew. In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by two brothers, Hollis and Arvin Phelps and a sister, Louellen Malkemus. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at Sproles Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition. Friends may call from 10 am until noon on Wednesday at the funeral home. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Leon Phelps.

Tributes

Leon Phelps

June 5, 1940 - June 25, 2020