Herbert Casteel

(From Knell Mortuary)

Herbert C. Casteel, 94, Carthage, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at his home with family at his bedside. Herbert C. Casteel was born May 31, 1922 in Princeton, MO; a son of the late Herbert C. Casteel, Sr. and Corah Alice (Brantley) Casteel. He was a graduate of Princeton High School, Class of 1940 and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO in 1948. Mr. Casteel served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 during WWII reaching the rank of 2 Lieutenant. He was the first post-war commander of the Carthage National Guard, a post he held until 1952. He married Virginia Jeanne Oltman on November 5, 1949 in Sarcoxie, MO; she preceded him in death on May 24, 2002. He was a member of Fairview Christian Church, Carthage, where he served as an elder and long time Sunday School teacher.

Mr. Casteel came to Carthage after law school and opened a law office with Richard Webster Sr. He practiced law for 15 years and served as a trial judge for 26 years. He served on a number of boards including Leggett and Platt, Big Smith, Tapjac and Ozark Christian College. He served as Mayor of Carthage from 1990 to 1994. He authored two books, Drums of Moloch and Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.

Survivors include two daughters; Jane (Steven) Jennings, Joplin, MO and Nancy (John) Mouton, Carthage; a son, Jordan (Joan) Casteel, Stephens City, VA; six grandchildren; Ben (Debbie) and Brian (Beth) Jennings, Josh and Jonathan Mouton, Sarah Mouton Dowdy (Cash) and eight great grandchildren. Besides his wife, Jeanne, Mr. Casteel was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Laura Jeanne Casteel, four brothers, Curtis (killed in action during WWII), Richard, Lawrence and James; five sisters, Mary, Esther, Phyllis, Alice Lee and Roberta.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, Sunday, January 15 at Fairview Christian Church, Carthage. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, January 16 at Fairview Christian Church. Minister Boyce Mouton will officiate. Interment will be in Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Fairview Christian Church, Ozark Christian College, Joplin, or the World War II Museum, New Orleans, LA in care of Knell Mortuary, 308 W. Chestnut, Carthage, MO, 64836. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.