Rev. Thomas C. CASWELL

February 28, 1940 – September 10, 2025

After fifty-nine years of priestly service of the People of God in eastern Washington, Father Thomas C. Caswell succumbed to the advances of Parkinson's Disease and was blessed with Eternal Life in Christ Jesus on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born to Thomas Charles Caswell and Opal Marie Burke on February 28, 1940, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The family moved with some frequency during his childhood, following the career of Mr. Caswell who managed department stores for the JC Penney's chain in cities inclusive of Seattle, Albany (Oregon), and Walla Walla.

In 1958, after graduating from St. Patrick High School in Walla Walla, where he excelled in the classroom, football and stage, young Tom Caswell entered into priestly formation at St. Edward's Seminary in Kenmore, Washington. On May 28, 1966, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Spokane by Bishop Hilary Hacker, in Dickinson, North Dakota, where the family resided at the time. His major priestly assignments in the Diocese of Spokane placed him at Mater Cleri Seminary in Colbert (where he taught history, English, religion, and debate) as well as parishes in Spokane, Pasco, Chewelah, Okanogan, Cheney, and Pullman. His participation in diocesan advisory councils and study groups was sought often. For twenty-six years he served as the Diocese's Ecumenical Officer. After retirement in 2005 he assisted at parishes in the Diocese (and New York) and also helped at the offices of the Inland Register (diocesan newspaper). His spare time found him helping the less fortunate at Our Place Social Service Center in north central Spokane. A lover of history, his last (volunteer) position was as diocesan archivist. His movie and book reviews appeared often in the diocesan newspaper as well as the local and even national press.

Wherever he was assigned, Father Caswell was loved and respected as an intelligent and compassionate shepherd; he always left his mark – including beds of flowers he planted to brighten people's lives. He was known as "Duke" to family and close friends, as "Cage Rattler" to admirers, and as "Father" to his many flocks. Former students, fellow clergy, and well-wishers refer to him as a consummate educator, articulate and passionate preacher, and committed promoter of social justice and ecumenical relations.

Father Caswell was preceded in death by both of his parents and his sole sibling, Patricia, to whom he was particularly devoted.

A vigil Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated for Father Caswell at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral on Tuesday, September 23, at 5:00 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated there the next day, Wednesday, September 24, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Spokane's Holy Cross Cemetery. Bishop Thomas Daly will preside at the Funeral Mass; Bishop-Emeritus William Skylstad will preach the homily.

In memory of Father Caswell, the faithful are asked to perform an act of charity for someone in need or to take action in the promotion of justice among peoples and nations.