Howard Kastler

Howard Clarence Kastler

Howard Clarence Kastler passed away 19 May 2020 at his home in Roswell, New Mexico.

Howard was born 24 March 1924 in Somonauk, Illinois to Clarence I. and Irene (Benoit) Kastler.  Following the untimely death of his father, Howard moved to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in 1936 with his mother and older sister where he graduated from Pharr-San Juan Alamo High School in 1942.

Enlisting in the US Army in 1943, Howard served as a medic with the 355th Engineering Battalion building bridges across Europe for the Allied advance dubbed “The Red Ball Express”.  He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received shortly after crossing into Germany.

While serving in the European Theatre, he became pen-pals with a young woman in Nebraska via mutual family friends.  Upon his return from service in 1945, he immediately travelled to Nebraska to meet Marian Louise Casteel, the young woman with whom he had shared so many letters.  The couple were married in June 1947 at the First Congregational Church in Crete, NE.

The newlyweds moved to Austin, TX where Howard attended the University of Texas, graduating in 1949 with a B.A. in Accounting.  The couple then relocated to Roswell, NM where Howard began a career as a Certified Public Accountant which lasted more than 50 years.

Howard was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Roswell, a Freemason, active in Sertoma Club, a supporter of DAV, VFW, and many local organizations.  He and Marian had many friends, neighbors and business associates, and were happy to have called Roswell home for more than 70 years.

Howard is survived by his son Bill (Lucia) Kastler of Dallas, daughter-in-law Lacy Kastler of Roswell, grand-daughters Christine (Dagan) Kastler of Los Angeles and Ashley Kastler of Dallas, grand-son Cody (Zanessa) Kastler of Lubbock, Tx, and 4 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by Marian, his wife of 72 years, and son Tom Kastler, both of Roswell.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Andrea, Cynthia, Laurie and all the caregivers and staff at Comfort Keepers for their kindness toward Howard.