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William Casto Obituary
1942 - 2020
William Harper "Bill" Casto, Jr., age 77, died on January 3, 2020. Bill was preceded in death by his father (William H. Casto) and mother (Laceryjette V. Casto), four aunts and an uncle. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Casto; his three children, Shelly (Kevin Fish) Trevor (Sara, d. 2009), and Dana (Shelley Coleman Casto); and 5 grandchildren, Gabriel Fish, Eliza Fish, Tristan Casto, Alana Casto and Eleanor Casto; along with his brother, Michael (Sally Casto); and two nephews, Andrew (Heidi) and Daniel (Nicole). Bill was a graduate of Upper Arlington High School (1960) and received a B.S. (1964) and Ph.D (1975) from The Ohio State University College of Education. He also received a M.Div. (1968) from Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He was an ordained United Methodist minister. Much of his education and professional career centered on live theatre production and teaching. He retired after 22 years of teaching at Methodist Theological School in Ohio where he taught Church Leadership, Urban Ministry, Field Education and Worship Leadership. Bill also spent time in campus ministry at University of Virginia, Ohio Wesleyan University, Ohio State University and Kent State University. Advocating for marginalized people and social justice was a major focus of his life, especially in retirement. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 High St., Worthington, Ohio 43085, where family will receive friends beginning at 9 AM until the time of the service. Bishop C. Joseph Sprague officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kent & Mary Beittel Endowment Fund for the Open Shelter via The Columbus Foundation, 1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205, or columbusfoundation.org.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Casto
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Michael Ray LaChat
December 31, 2022
A practitioner of "the last shall be first..."
collette davidson
January 10, 2020
Dear Jennifer.. and family..,my thoughts and prayers are with you...love collette
Michael LaChat
January 10, 2020
Bill was a champion of the disenfranchised, even for the lost souls on death row. He had a large and gregarious personality, which complemented his love for theater, a calling that graciously expanded the spiritual horizons of the Methesco community.
Kathy Daft
January 10, 2020
How thankful I am to have know Bill. His passion to serve God's purpose was shown everyday through all he did-- advocating for the homeless, supporting Paster Jennifer in her ministry, loving his family, and being active in speaking out on how we should care for our environment. He was so down to earth, always approachable, showed love and no judgements when others maybe didn't make the best decisions--I saw him always wanting to be supportive. Oh how his presence here will be missed.
Jesus surely shined through Bill-- his love lives forever in my heart--- and all that knew him I am sure.
My thoughts and prayers especially to Jennifer, Trevor and the entire family.
Jeff Paice
January 9, 2020
Pastor Jennifer - it has been a number of years since I've seen you but I have never forgotten all of the work and fellowship we shared as we served breakfast and operated the clothing room. My prayers are with you.
-Jeff Paice
William Cameron
January 9, 2020
I new him from new life church he a very nice person and I just want his family to know my prayers go out to to then
Steve Almquist (Meadow Park Church)
January 9, 2020
Dear Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He was such a kind man with a heart for everyone. He was a man who served the Lord with much love. You both did great ministry together. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives and ministry. Please know you are in my prayers.
In Him,
John Wallace
January 9, 2020
I am with you in spirit. Sorry that I cannot attend today. I have appreciated Bill's commitment in working for peace and justice in the community. I have good memories of participating with him.
Peace,
John
Carol and Mark Walker
January 9, 2020
Dear Jennifer,
You and Bill have been there for our family when we needed you the most, for happy times and for sad times.
Bill was truly a kind and loving soul. One only had to meet Bill to know his heart.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tricia Brown
January 8, 2020
Such a wonderful man, always thought of with happiness. Our hearts are with you - Love to Jennifer and all the Beloved Family from The Browns & Families ...
January 8, 2020
Jennifer,,so sorry to hear about Bill,,my prayers are with you and your family..
Jay Eubanks
Diane Leslie Wiggins
January 8, 2020
Dear Jennifer, At this difficult time you & your family are in my prayers. As one who was fortunate enough to be blessed by his presence & friendship , the memories are warm & make me smile through the tears. Holding you in my heart. Diane Leslie Wiggins
January 7, 2020
My dear Jennifer, I received a call from Todd Yockey. He told me of the passing of your dear Bill. There are really no words I can say that will fill your broken heart. Bill was a present day walking and taking Jesus. Our best conversations took place very early on Tuesday mornings when I arrived at New Life Church to be the Coordinator of the Tuesday breakfast for the homeless.Bill would get there early to help with the breakfast. May all of God's Grace and Love be given to you during this terrible time. As you deal with with the loss of the love of your life.
Yours In Christ
James Trimmer
PS: In April, 2017 my beloved son Shawn was murdered. He was deliberately run down by the murderer in the early morning hours on Broad Street near Pataskala, Ohio.
John Giltner
January 7, 2020
A friend and colleague of many years. He will be missed.
Liz & Jim Winfree
January 7, 2020
Jennifer and family: We are so sorry for your great loss. Bill was a tremendous servant for the Lord and such an inspiration to so many. We loved our time with him when we together began the Van Ministry with Gwyn at New Life. We send our love and God's blessings to you.
Love,
Liz and Jim Winfree
Larry Clark
January 7, 2020
Bill was one of those influential and formative people in my life going through seminary and especially his witness after he retired.I am grateful for his example and life.
Martha Gross
January 7, 2020
I will miss his smile. He always seemed to be a person of joy. I also learned a lot from him. Please accept my prayers and condolences. Martha Dunn Gross, MTSO '76
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