James R. Casteel

James R. Casteel, 79, of Bedford, passed away peacefully with his wife Barbara by his side on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Homewood at Springhouse Estates. He was born on February 23, 1946 in Bedford Twp., at the home of his grandparents Ira and Myrtle Casteel who raised him, and was the son of the late Robert Casteel and Effie (Bender) Casteel Poland. On August 25, 1979 in Bedford, he married Barbara (West) Casteel and she survives along with two daughters: Christine Bracken of Bedford and Amanda Baker and husband Erik of Bedford; a special granddaughter: Isabel Faith Baker; three honorary grandsons: Hunter, Bentley, and Riddik Fink, all of Hyndman; and two sisters; Connie Banks and husband Jerry of Columbia, NC and Katherine Hinson of Millerstown. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Thomas Poland (infant) and Anthony Poland; and a sister, Barbara McGinnes.

James graduated from Bedford High School, class of 1964. He worked at Standard Register Company in Bedford until their closure, and JLG in Bedford and McConnellsburg until his retirement. He was a member of the Bedford Masonic Lodge No. #320, F&AM, Scottish Rite, Bedford Royal Arch #0255, Sons of the American Legion Post #113, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and a former member of the Bedford Elks Lodge #1707 and Bedford Moose Lodge #480. He was an avid hunter, never missing deer season in Bedford County and made several trips to Colorado to hunt elk with his friends.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Robert Smith officiating. Friends will be received on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home and on Thursday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a donation in James’ name may do so at the Bedford County Humane Society, 182 Bohn Road, Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.