Charles “Charlie” Hinkebein, age 75, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at his home.
Charlie was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on October 27, 1949. In 1983, Charlie was one of the charter members of Saint Henry Catholic Church, where he devoted much of his life. He served as Grand Knight and Treasurer for the Knights of Columbus, was an usher, and volunteered for many years to help cook fish and fried chicken for the community. Charlie owned and operated “Hinkebein Heating and Air” for more than 45 years, the company he started with his father. He used his technical skills and talents to help anyone in need. Charlie loved to fix or repair just about anything for anyone and took great pride in the work he did for others. He also spent his free time building custom birdhouses that he would frequently give to family and friends.
When Charlie took time to relax, he could usually be found watching an episode of “Gun Smoke” or cheering for the University of Kentucky basketball team. He was also a huge Dolly Parton fan, and he finally got the opportunity to see her perform in concert later in his life. Charlie had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed spending as many days as possible in a deer stand or fishing on the lakes. Many family vacations were spent camping, enjoying all the beauties that nature had to offer. Charlie will be remembered by those closest to him as being the most loving and giving husband, father, and “Big Dog” or “Poppie” to his grandchildren.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elaine Vandeven Hinkebein of Benton; three daughters, Melanie (David) Ledford, of Benton, Amanda (Chad) Reed, of Benton, and Lacy (Bobby) Riddle, of Fancy Farm; two sisters, Carol Ann (David) Phelps, of Benton, and Mary Jo Conkright Herzog, of Benton; a brother, Clem (Brenda) Hinkebein, of Benton; 11 grandchildren, Austin (Melody) Ledford, Jacob (Amber) Ledford, Jessica (Bryan) Sallee, Dakota Reed, Emma Reed, Joe Gaudy, Connor Riddle, Garrett Riddle, Jackson Ledford, Beckett Reed, and Oliver Riddle; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis John and Dorothy Frances Hinkebein; his stepmother, Louis Houser Hinkebein; and his brother-in-law’s, Herbie Conkright and Herbie Herzog.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Saint Henry Catholic Church in Aurora, with Father Greg Trawick and Father Darrell Venters officiating. Burial will follow in the Saint Henry Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, and again from 9:00 a.m. until the mass time of 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the church.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association, Kentucky Region, 240 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, KY 40222 or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Charlie’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.