Charles B. Castner

CASTNER, Charles B. Jr. ("Charlie"), 97, boarded a train for his final whistle stop at the heavenly station on Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026, in Louisville. He took his final breath peacefully with family at the bedside.

Charlie was born in Louisville and spent his entire life there, except for stints at McCallie School, Washington & Lee College, and in the U.S. Marines. Throughout his life he had twin passions: trains and music. His family was musical, and Charlie presented his prodigious piano chops early on, smitten with boogie-woogie piano by age five.

After selling pianos and organs for a while and then working at WHAS Radio, Charlie got his dream job: in public relations at the Louisville & Nashville railroad for his 26-year career. Charlie helped edit the employee magazine and assignments took him over much of the Midwest and Southeast. Charlie was active with the Louisville Rotary Club, Louisville Country Club and the Kentucky Railway Museum.

He met Katie Heathcock on a blind date in Louisville, and they were married in 1956. They had three musical children and held frequent celebrations filled with music, friends and family. Every occasion ended with Charlie and assorted others at the keyboard and on whatever instruments were available. Charlie and Katie traveled extensively around the US and Europe, using rails as much as possible.

A lifelong member of Second Presbyterian Church, he served as an elder and trustee and was active in the church's Stephen Ministry program. Charlie and Katie both sang in the chancel choir at Second for more than 50 years.

After retirement, Charlie volunteered at the University of Louisville Archives, organizing old L&N photographs and business records. A student of transportation history, Charlie wrote extensively about the development of railroads; with co-authors, he published several books about the L&N and other regional railroads.

Charlie was preceded in death by his mother and father; his dear wife Katie; his siblings, Thames and Henry; and many relatives and friends. He is survived by his children, Charles B. "Beau" Castner, III; Louisa A. Castner; and Fenner H. Castner (Ann); his delightful granddaughters, Shelby and Emily; and his dear companion, Peggy Beale.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated and loving staff at Episcopal Church Home's Lyndon House and Dudley Square. Thanks also to his dear friend and confidant Dennis Moore, and to the caring medical staff at Baptist East's palliative care wing.

Expressions of sympathy and memorials can be made to Second Presbyterian Church or the Kentucky Railway Museum.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Luke's Chapel (narthex) at the Episcopal Church Home (7504 Westport Road), from 1-4 pm (Lyndon Lane entrance, near steeple). A private burial service for family will take place at Cave Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held later in the spring at Second Presbyterian Church. Pearson's is entrusted with the arrangements.