John Turner Hinant
INDIANAPOLIS – John Turner Hinant, 95, died July 12, 2024. John is a Hoosier who grew up in Gas City. Throughout his life, he was a constant learner, always reading and attending lectures and workshops. His formal education included a B.A. degree from Indiana University; a M.Div. from Texas Christian University; post graduate studies in human development at the University of Maryland; and a M.R.E. and a D.Min. from Christian Theological Seminary.
John was an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He served 11 years as minister of education and community service at National City Christian Church, Washington, D.C, at a time when the president of the United States was a member of this church. Following that, he was minister of education and mission for 26 years at Northwood Christian Church, Indianapolis. After retiring in 1993, he served Indiana churches in North Salem, Mooresville, Trafalgar, Shelbyville and Beech Grove as an interim and also University Park Christian and Third Christian in Indianapolis as Chaplain to assist members in relocation as those locations closed. Next, he volunteered as a Regional Elder for another 10 years of service.
His ministry was characterized by a creative approach; a sensitivity to helping those overlooked or not treated fairly; an ecumenical and interfaith outlook; a belief in the importance of the arts in worship and communication; a desire to help congregations see beyond themselves and their local community; and he incorporated a side dish of humor. Some examples of this include: he led National City Christian Church to sponsor one of two Headstart programs in the District of Columbia during its initial year and was director of the program. He led youth in writing, acting and presenting an early Sunday morning television program for children in cooperation with the Church Federation of Indianapolis. He was the first to publish a devotional booklet, Thoughts for Lent, written by members of a congregation. The booklet was widely shared and has served as a model for Advent and Lenten devotional booklets which are now presented online.
Two books, many articles as well as chapters in books were written by John. His most significant book is Children at the Lord’s Table, published in 2005.
A couple of John’s hobbies begun during retirement were blowing free-formed art glass and ballroom dancing with his wife, Eleyce, and with a group where they presented over 100 performances. Two of John’s favorite costumed dances were swinging to Elvis’ Jailhouse Rock and doing a tango as a pet polar bear with Eleyce as the snow queen and his keeper.
John Turner Hinant was born to parents, John Edwin Hinant and Addie Belle (Turner) Hinant in1928. He had three brothers, James, Mark and Michael and one sister, Addie Louise. He is survived by Eleyce, his wife of almost 72 years, children, Felicia M. Hinant, John Gibson Hinant, Susanna L. Hinant, Cathleen (Hinant) Alexander, eight grandchildren and brothers Mark and Mike. He enjoyed being with family, hiking, doing projects together, especially art ones, and playing games. In fact, he did this to the end, initiating and playing a hand-motion game with family and friends on his very last morning.
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, visit with family will be at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00, both at Allisonville Christian Church, 7701 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis IN 46250. A reception will be in the Activity Room at Robin Run Village, 5354 West 62nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46268, from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice in John’s honor.
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