Milton C. Kasten, a World War II veteran and devoted family man, peacefully passed away at the age of 96 on August 2, 2023. He was residing at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau at the time of his passing. Born on December 14, 1926, in Cape Girardeau to Oscar W. and Ella Lydia Neumeyer Kasten, Milton had a rich and fulfilling life.
During his education, Milton’s family moved several times, and as a result, he attended seven different schools. He began his educational journey in September 1932 at Goshen in Oak Ridge before continuing on to Sandy Ridge, Dogwood, Tilsit, Mississippi County Bridges, Diehlstadt, and eventually graduating from Jackson High School in 1944.
In service to his country, Milton served as a gun range instructor in the U.S. Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He later received an honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant in June 1955. Even in his mid-90s, Milton proudly wore his uniform to Veterans Day events, showcasing his dedication and patriotism.
Throughout his working years, Milton was employed at Ceramo in Jackson for 18 years before retiring in 1992 from HWI/Do It Best in Cape Girardeau after another 18 years of service. On December 21, 1958, he married JoAnn Seabaugh at the First Baptist Church in Jackson. The couple resided on Bast Street in Jackson from 1959 until May 2016 when Milton’s health issues necessitated a move to Saxony Independent Living. In December 2022, he relocated to Chateau Girardeau Assisted Living to be closer to his brother, Harold Lee, sister, Joyce King, and cousin, Nelson Kasten.
Milton was an active member of Zion Methodist Church and dedicated his time to delivering meals for the Jackson Senior Center. He enjoyed traveling with church groups, exercising, and watching Wheel of Fortune. However, his most cherished moments were spent with his family and beloved grandsons.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Kevin (Carla) Kasten of Lorena, Texas; daughter, Rhonda (Bill) Hedden of Nashville, Tennessee; three grandsons, Eric Hedden of Nashville, Brian (fiancee Abby) Hedden of Chicago, and Nicholas Kasten of Lorena; brother, Harold Lee Kasten; sister, Joyce (Gene) King; and brother, Donald (Peggy) Kasten of Columbus, Ohio. Milton was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, parents, sister and brother-in-law Mary Lou (Roy) Wendel, and sister-in-law Mary Kasten.
Friends and loved ones may pay their respects on Friday, August 4, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Zion Methodist Church in Gordonville. The funeral service, officiated by Reverend Lyle Johnston, will follow at 3 p.m., also at the church. Interment and military honors will take place at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Zion Methodist Church Cemetery or the Jackson Senior Center.
McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center is entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Online condolences can be shared on Milton’s personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.
Milton C. Kasten leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and dedication to his country, family, and community. His contributions will always be remembered and cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
