Dr. George E. Casper

Dr. George E. Casper, age 94 of Anna, died 10:17 p.m. Monday February, 14, 2011 at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born April 6, 1916 in Anna, the son of Howard Henry and Cecile Boswell Casper. He married Etoile Winston on June 3, 1939 in Memphis, TN.George is survived by two sons, Curtis (Jean) Casper of Goreville, IL., Robert (Laura) Casper of Overland Park, KS.; one daughter, Jean Casper (Dale) Denny of Anna; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Etoile; brothers, Howard Russell and Robert Edgar Casper.George was a graduate of Southern Illinois Normal University with a Bachelors degree in Music Education and the University of Michigan with a Masters in Music Education. He was an excellent musician and proficient in conducting, creating musical arrangements and playing the piano, violin, baritone, flute, clarinet and percussion. For six years he taught high school Music and Latin in Zeigler, IL. In the early 1950's he was band director for the Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. His doctoral studies in Music Education at the University of Iowa were interrupted by WWII service. As a U.S. Army band member, leader and instructor, he was assigned to various posts in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Following his honorable discharge, he attended and graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN., as a Doctor of Optometry. In 1952, George opened his Optometric practice in Anna and served his many patients in the community for over 40 years. Except for his time in Memphis and in the Service, George was a lifelong member of the Anna First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Adult Sunday school Teacher. He, along with his wife, Etoile, the Church Organist, served as the music ministry team at the church for over 40 years.In 2008 George and Etoile moved to the Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, MO. In June 2008 they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Funeral services for Dr. George E. Casper will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Rev. Verlee Eaker officiating. Interment will be in the Anna Cemetery with military honors at the graveside by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the VFW in Anna and the Illinois National Guard Honors Team. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday February 18, 2011 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna Visitation Service Friday, February 18, 2011,6:00PM-8:00PM Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Homes 301 West Spring Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Memorial/Funeral Service Saturday, February 19, 2011,11:00AM Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Homes 301 West Spring Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Cemetery Service Saturday, February 19, 2011,11:45AM Anna Cemetery West Davie Street Anna, Illinois 62906