W. John Hingst quietly gave to others his whole life.
Friends say the impacts of his generosity will extend far beyond his death. Hingst, a Kokomo philanthropist and businessman, died Wednesday.
“John was outstanding; there’s no question about that,” family friend E. P. Severns said. “He shared what he had with the community basically since he graduated from Purdue University.”
Hingst was born March 19, 1926, in Vernon, Texas.
After graduating from high school, he attended University of Texas until World War II called him away, his obituary stated. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and interpreter. After being wounded in the Normandy invasion, he was granted a medical discharge.
When he got back, he enrolled at Purdue University and earned a degree in chemical engineering.
He and his wife moved to Kokomo in 1950, and he started as treasurer of Miller Transportation Corp.
According to his obituary, his life of volunteering began immediately.
He served as national president of the Beta Sigma Psi fraternity, and in 17 years, it grew from two to 17 chapters nationwide.
Pastor Bill Allison said Hingst was always serving the people at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in some way.
He taught catechism classes and served on many church committees and boards. Hingst helped the church out financially, too.
He established an endowment with the Community Foundation of Howard County to fund the church’s ministries for years to come.
“He tried to make sure his gifts go on forever,” said Hilda Burns, president of the community foundation.
Another endowment supports different charitable causes throughout the community, and a third endowment funds the Boy Scouts of America Sagamore Council.
“He wanted to provide the funding to make sure that every kid who wanted to join the Boy Scouts had the chance to do so,” said Scout Executive Chris Mehaffey.
The money is used for scholarships for summer camp and to keep program costs low for kids, Mehaffey said.
The scouts were a group near and dear to Hingst’s heart. He had a certain passion for the organization.
He was once a scout in Texas, but he fell just short of becoming an Eagle Scout.
Severns laughed as he recalled the reason why.
“I’ve heard that story several times,” Severns said. “He told people, ‘I would have been an Eagle Scout, but I couldn’t swim.’”
Hingst volunteered his time as a Scoutmaster and watched as all three of his sons became Eagle Scouts.
It wasn’t just his sons he helped, though.
He served as a mentor for many young boys in the organization, said family friend Craig Severns.
To understand what kind of mentor he was, you don’t have to look any farther than his children, Craig Severns said.
“They all have that heart that they want to serve,” he said. “I’m sure they will carry on his good works.”
But Hingst would never tell people about the good things he did.
He was committed to making Kokomo a better place, but he loved to do it very quietly.
Many called him humble.
“He wanted to help others because it was the right thing to do,” Craig Severns said.
Hingst’s death will leave a hole in community, Burns said.
“It’s sad to lose someone like that,” she said. “He’ll be hard to replace.”
Local News
W. John Hingst remembered for his generosity.
- Local News
-
-
Kokomo Beach will partially open Tuesday
Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center will partially reopen Tuesday, according to the city.
-
BREAKING: 3 more arrested in prostitution probe
Kokomo police continued putting pressure on local strip clubs by arresting three more dancers on prostitution charges Thursday.
-
Man charged with felony arson
Kokomo police arrested an 18-year-old man on a felony arson charge Thursday in connection with a trailer fire at a mobile home park at 2700 N. Washington St.
-
Powell looking for Little 500 win
During the course of his 72 years, Jerry Powell has done a little bit of everything.
Powell has owned a trucking business, raced sprint cars, has his pilot’s license and is now owner of a racing team. He is also a tool and die maker and produces many parts on the race cars. -
Layoffs at St. Joseph Hospital possible
St. Vincent Health announced Thursday it would be laying off employees across its 22-hospital system, which includes St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo.
-
NHS principal takes job in Lafayette
Northwestern High School Principal Al Remaly announced he is leaving the district this summer to start a new job at Harrison High School in Lafayette.
-
Helping homeless vets
As residents reflect on the tireless work of the nation’s military veterans on Memorial Day, a group of Howard County vets is concentrating on veterans without a home.
-
Police arrest 4 dancers on sex charges
Kokomo police arrest women, employed at Little Daddy's and Big Daddy's strip clubs, on warrants Wednesday accusing them of prostitiution and indecent exposure.
-
Picturing success
An unfinished mural in the halls of Kokomo High School gave senior Trevor Douglas a reason to come to school every day and a reason to aim higher in life.
-
Local districts still struggling
While there may be more money alloted for K-12 education in the budget passed through the General Assembly last month, many school districts in the area won’t see high cash bumps due to changes in the funding formulas.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Kokomo Beach will partially open Tuesday
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
