Shelby County Indiana Genealogy & History, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Kaster

Freeman Family Funeral Home
Shelbyville, Indiana
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Paul Philip "Phil" Kaster
March 4, 2025 â€” December 3, 1938
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Paul Philip "Phil" Kaster, 86, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Shelbyville. He was born December 3, 1938, in Shelby County, the son of Paul Gray and Mary Elizabeth (Epperson) Kaster. On June 27, 1958, he married his wife of 66 years, Freda Fleener, and she survives.
In addition to Freda, Phil is survived by his daughters, Danette Kaster, and Paula Kaster and husband, Mark Polston, of Shelbyville; son, Craig Kaster of Sheridan; sister, Janet Compton of Flat Rock; grandchildren, Jonathan Hoop and significant other, Maggie, Jared Hoop and significant other, Danielle, Benjamin Purvis and wife, Tiera, Abraham Purvis and wife, Alison, Caitlyn Sherrill and husband, Brian, Levi Kaster and Luke Kaster; great-grandchildren, Zeno Hoop, Lydia Purvis, Roman Purvis, Cameron Purvis and Parker Sherrill.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Mark Kaster.
In 1956, Phil graduated from Shelbyville High School. He was a devoted member of Hopeâ€™s Point Church, where he had served as deacon and trustee. Phil was the Chaplain of Gideons International, and was affectionately known as â€œThe Bible Man.â€ Phil served as President of Kasco, a company he and his father, founded and co-owned since July of 1965. He also served his community as a Shelby County Councilman, and a member of the Shelby County Board of Health and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Phil was a member and past president of Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association.
He enjoyed going to Ferguson Tractor shows. He loved to travel, including spending time at the Outer Banks climbing lighthouses and eating seafood. Phil and Freda enjoyed visiting all 50 states and going to several countries. One of Philâ€™s greatest joys was engaging in conversations with others, whether at a farm equipment trade show, or in everyday life. He always said, â€œEveryone has a story.â€ And he wanted to hear it.
Visitation will be from 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hopeâ€™s Point Church, 1703 South Miller Avenue, Shelbyville, Indiana, 46176. Funeral services will begin at 2 pm, Saturday, at the church, with Pastor Greg Albert officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Fund at Hopeâ€™s Point Church, 1703 South Miller Avenue, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Gideon International Shelbyville Camp, Box 452, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
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Ella Mae Kaster, 92, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Heritage House in Shelbyville. She was born June 21, 1922, to Raymond A. Thompson and Eunice Fern (Pope Stucker) Thompson in Moscow, Rush County. She married John William Kaster on Nov. 23, 1941, and he preceded her in death Oct. 20, 1996.
Survivors include children: William R. Kaster and wife, Edie Seewald, of North Webster; Terry A. Kaster and wife, Brenda, of Gladewater, Texas; Sharon Walluk and husband, David Aden, of Two Rivers, Alaska; and Dennis Kaster and wife, Julie, of Fort Collins, Colorado; sister, Bonita Klingensmith of St. Clairsville, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. The Kaster family is immensely grateful to Mr. Dale Hoban, our mother's longtime companion. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two half brothers, Russell D. Stucker and Larry W. Stucker.
Mrs. Kaster was a lifetime resident of Noble Township. She graduated from Waldron High School in 1940. She was an office manager for various insurance agencies. She was an active member of the Pleasant Hill and Geneva United Methodist Churches for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Kaster spent most of their years farming in Noble Township. They spent much of their retirement traveling.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Glenn E. George Funeral Home, 106 E. Franklin St., St. Paul, IN 47272. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2014, at the funeral home, with Pastor Mark Dodd officiating. Burial will be at Lewis Creek Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to Geneva United Methodist Church or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.glennegeorgeandson.net.
Contributed by Phyllis Fleming

The Post-Tribune
Northwest Indiana (Chicago, Illinois)
Thursday, September 27, 2007
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INDIANA
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Susan Genelle Kaster of Plymouth, Indiana, formerly of Lake County, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2007. She was the daughter of Harold and Leah Grier of Marion, Indiana. Susan attended Indiana University where she met and married her husband of 43 years, the Rev. William R. Kaster, on September 6, 1964. Susan received her Bachelor's and Master's in social work from Valparaiso University. She served the children of Portage Township Schools in Portage, Indiana, and the East Noble Schools in Kendallville, Indiana. She was a counselor for RISE services in Angola, Indiana, and the Northeastern Center in Kendallville, Indiana. Her devoted service to children was also expressed through Special Olympics, Royal Family Kids Camp, and the School of Christian Missions. Her legacy of service will be remembered by her community and her family: William (husband and father) and their four children, Mary Kaster of Sebastopol, California, Michael and his wife Daniell Kaster of Indianapolis, Indiana, Peter Kaster of Plymouth, Indiana and Rebecca Kaster of Michigan City, Indiana; and her two children, Gavin and Eric.
A service of Christian resurrection and a celebration of her life will be held Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 4:00 P.M. EDT, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 425 South Michigan Street, Plymouth, Indiana. A time of fellowship will follow for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist for the Royal Family Kids Camp (www.rfkc.org/). The Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home in Plymouth, Indiana is assisting with arrangements. www.johnson-danielson.com.
Contributed by Phyllis Fleming and Betty Kitchen

The Shelbyville News
October 7, 2003
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Lenora Mae Kaster, 82, of Fairland, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003, Beech Grove.
Born Jan. 12, 1921, in Bartholomew County, d/o William and Fern (Gray) Batton.
Married Carl William Kaster on June 16, 1940.
Survivors: include three sons, Kent Kaster and Ken Bill Kaster, both of Shelbyville, and Greg Kaster of Fairland; one brother, Lance Batton of Shelbyville; seven grandchildren, Kent Karl Kaster, Christie Slinkard, Jennifer Ballard, Cindy Kelley, Kelley Kirschbaum, Ann Clymer and Kimberly Ballman; 11 great-grandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren.
Lifelong Shelby County resident.
Bookkeeper for the family farm and her husband s oil business.
Graduated in 1939 from Fairland High School.
Member of Fairland United Methodist Church and Methodist Women s Group.
Carmony-Ewing Harrison Street Funeral Home, 819 S. Harrison St, Rev. Susan Davis officiating.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Thursday, May 1, 2003
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Paul Gray Kaster, 90, of Shelbyville, died Monday, April 28, 2003.
Born Oct. 19, 1912, in Shelby County, s/o Bert and Jessie M. (Gray) Kaster. Married Mary Elizabeth Epperson on March 12, 1938, and she survives.
Other survivors include one daughter, Janet L. Compton of Flat Rock; one son, Phil Kaster of Marion Township; one brother, Carl William Kaster of Fairland; five grandchildren, Danette Kaster, Paula Purvis and Christopher D. Compton, all of Shelbyville, Craig Kaster of Westfield, and Amy E. Compton of Indianapolis; and six great-grandchildren, Jonathon Hoop, Jared Hoop, Benjamin Purvis, Abraham Purvis, Caitlyn Purvis and Levi Kaster.
Preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel L. Kepley and Ruth D. Shelton; and one grandson, Mark Kaster.
Lifelong Shelby County resident.
Farmer and an inventor with five patents on farm equipment. He was a farm equipment dealer and founded Kasco Manufacturing in 1965.
Graduated in 1931 from Shelbyville High School.
Lifelong member of Liberty United Methodist Church and member of Masonic F&AM Sugar Creek Lodge, Shelby County Historical Society and Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association.
Carmony-Ewing Harrison Street Funeral Home, 819 S. Harrison St.
Rev. David Bryan officiating.
Forest Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty United Methodist Church, Shelby County Historical Society or Hospice of Shelby County, all in care of Carmony-Ewing Funeral Homes, 232 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, IN 46176.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Greensburg Daily News
Decatur County, Indiana
Oct. 21, 1996
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John W. Kaster, 74
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John W. Kaster, 74, Shelbyville, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 1996 at the Heritage House Convalescent Center in Shelbyville. Born March 26, 1922 in Rush County, he was the son of William E. and Esta (Myers) Kaster. He married Ella Mae Thompson on Nov. 23, 1941. She survives. He was a farmer and worked for the traffic division of the Indiana Department of Transportation for 17 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Geneva United Methodist Church and the Waldron Masonic Lodge #187. He was a graduate of Waldron High School and was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Navy.
Survivors other than his wife include three sons, William R. Kaster, Hobrat [sic--Hobart], Ind., Dennis W. Kaster, Crown Point, Ind., Terrance A. Kaster, Gladewater, Texas; one daughter, Sharon Walluk, Anchorage, Alaska; one sister, Lois Toothman, Columbus; 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Glenn E. George Funeral Home in St. Paul with the Rev. Bill Jackson and the Rev. David Harker officiating. Burial will be in the Lewis Creek Baptist Cemetery in Shelby County. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Shelby County or to the Geneva United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Phyllis Fleming and Betty Kitchen

The Shelbyville News
8 Jan 1990
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Velma E. Kaster, 86, 1135 S. Meridian St. died at 10:15 p.m. Saturday at the Heritage House Convalescent Center. She had been ill for several years. Born on Feb 22,1903 in Indiana she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Cornwell. She married Elbert McDaniel who died in 1950. She later married Elmer Kaster who died in 1962. A homemaker she was a member of the Apostolic Tabernacle,Shelbyville. Survivors are three daughters Mrs.Kathryn L. Wiggins, Shelbyville; Mrs.Ora(Susie)Wickliff, Fairland and Mildred McDaniel, Morristown; brothers Floyd Cornwell, Bluffton and Robert Cornwell, Elwood; sisters Dessie and Josephine, both of Elwood and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Concord Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Carmony-Ewing Harrison Street Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Contributed by John Addison Ballard

The Greensburg Daily News
Decatur County, Indiana
Aug. 9, 1974
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William E. Kaster, 79, Shelbyville, died at 12:50 Thursday morning at the W.S. Major Hospital in Shelbyville. He was born Sept. 26, 1894, in Hamilton County,* the son of Van F. and Lesta Rhoades Kaster. On November 25, 1914, he married Esta C. Myers, who died Nov. 19, 1951. On June 9, 1963, he married Lou Ann Howe, who survives. Mr. Kaster was a retired farmer, and had worked for the Shelby Co. Highway Department following his retirement. He had been a member of the Greensburg Eagles Lodge for 52 years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Ken (Lois) Toothman of Flat Rock; a son, John W. Kaster, St. Paul; one brother, Vinyard Kaster, Muncie; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Two sisters and a brother also preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Carmony Funeral Home in Shelbyville, with Rev. Paul Coates and Rev. Mrs. Helen Hagar officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. this afternoon. The family requests that any memorials be in the form of donatins [sic--donations] to the Shelby Co. Cancer Society.
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*Betty's note: The U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 gives his birth as in Marion Twp., Shelby County, Indiana on September 26, 1893. The U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014 also gives the 1893 date; however, the U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 gives the 1894 date and his tombstone shows the year as 1894.
Contributed by Phyllis Fleming and Betty Kitchen

The Shelbyville Republican
Tuesday July 30, 1935
Page 1 column 1
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DELLA KASTER, LONG ILL, DIE
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Aged Shelbyville Woman
Passes Away Today in
Daughter's Home
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        Mrs. Della Kaster, 72 years old, widow of Anderson Kaster died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Aulby, 121 Elizabeth street at 5:00 o clock this morning after a long illness. The deceased was born in Shelby county June 28, 1863, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hill. She was married to Anderson Kaster, whose death occurred in 1927. Mrs. Kaster attended the local Nazarene church.
          Surviving besides the daughter, Mrs. Aulby, are one son, Ozro Kaster, of this city; four grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Addie Heck of Morristown, and Mrs. Anna Colclazier, of Greenfield.
          Funeral services will be conducted at the Nazarene church at 10 o clock Thursday morning with the Rev. Edith Monroe officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery in charge of Charles M. Ewing.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Bob McKenzie

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday, November 21, 1934
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DEATH FOLLOWS YEAR'S ILLNESS
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Daughter Survives Benjamin Kaster, 73,
Lifelong Resident Of Shelby County
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FUNERAL RITES FRIDAY
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Benjamin Kaster, 73, lifelong resident of Shelby county, died at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. George Barger, on the Rushville road, Tuesday evening at 5:00 o'clock, following an illness of two years. His wife, Mrs. Molly Kaster, passed away five days ago and a daughter, Mrs. Linnie Clayton, died July 18, 1934.
Mr. Kaster was born in Shelby County, October 15, 1861, the son of Samuel and Eliza Brown Kaster, pioneers of this county. On December 23, 1881, he was married to Miss Molly Towns.
Survivors are the daughter, Mrs. George [Stella] Barger; two grandchildren, Maurice Barger and Miss Ruth Itce, both at home; one great-grandson, Maurice Barger, Jr. and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Barger home, with Kiowa Tribe of Red Men No. 199, of Shelbyville, of which organization he was a member, participating. The Rev. Mrs. Josephine Huffer, pastor of Trinity M. E. church, will officiate and burial will be in the family lot in Forest Hill cemetery, in charge of C.F. Fix & Son, funeral directors.
Friends may call at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Barger at any time.
Submitted by Barb Huff for Amy Fischer

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, November 16, 1934
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RITES SATURDAY FOR MRS. KASTER
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Long Illness Results In Death For County
Resident At Home North Of City
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LEAVES HUSBAND, DAUGHTER
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Mrs. Molly Kaster, wife of Benjamin Kaster, died at her home on the Knightstown road, two miles north of this city, at 5:15 o'clock Thursday evening, following a long illness. She had been seriously ill for the past two days.
Mrs. Kaster was born in Marion township, Shelby county, October 9, 1861, being at the time of death 73 years, one month and 6 days old. She was the daughter of Sylvester and Mary Towns, having resided in this county all her life. On December 23, 1881, she was married to Mr. Kaster, who survives. One of the three daughters, Mrs. George [Stella] Barger, of east of this city, born to this union, survives.
Other survivors besides the husband and daughter, are two grandchildren, Maurice Barger and Miss Ruth Itce, both of this county; two sisters, Mrs. Lillie D. Rhoades, of Shelbyville and Mrs. Susan Talbert, of Morristown; one great-grandson, Maurice Barger, Jr. and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the daughter's home Saturday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, with the Rev. Josephine B. Huffer, pastor of the Trinity M.E. church, officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill cemetery, in charge of C.F. Fix & Son, funeral directors. Friends may call at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Barger, on the Rushville road, near the Cedar Ford bridge, any time after 4:00 o'clock this evening.
Submitted by Barb Huff for Amy Fischer

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday September 6, 1906
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MRS. MINERVA CASTER DEAD
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Aged Resident of Marion
Township Died Last Night
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(From Tuesday s Daily)
Mrs. Minerva Caster, an aged and well known resident of Marion township, died at her home last night at nine-thirty, her death being due to dropsy. She was eighty-five years of age. The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at two o clock at the M. E. church in Marion, the Rev. Mr. Guthrie officiating. Interment will be in the Marion cemetery.
Mrs. Caster is survived by two sons and six daughters. The children are Anderson Caster of Shelbyville, Henry Caster of Iowa, Mrs. Philip Arnold, Mrs. Hiram Alexander, Mrs. James Paxton and Mrs. Martin Hill of this county, Mrs. James Jordan of Renssalaer, Indiana and Mrs. Peter Hines of Kansas.
Contributed by Barb Huff for LaVonne Aldag

The Shelby Republican
Friday, May 27, 1898
Page 4, column 1
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James T. Kaster died at his residence in Marion township at 8 a.m. Thursday May 26, of lung trouble, aged 29 years. The remains will be buried Saturday, May 28th. Services at the M. E. church in Marion at 2 p.m., the Rev. E. P. Jewett officiating. Interment in the Marion cemetery. Deceased has been sick for over a year. He leaves a wife. Cortege will leave the house at 1 p.m.
D. B. Wilson & Son, funeral directors.
Submitted by Barb Huff

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