Lt. Cmdr. Gary D. Caster (retired) passed away on May 19, 2006 at his home in Silver Lakes, California after a battle with cancer. Gary leaves behind his loving wife and caretaker, Christine; his daughter, Dr. Amanda Hoelscher; son-in-law, Paul; grandson, Reed; granddaughter, Jordan; sister, Corinna Siler and Don; brother, Kelton Caster, sister-inlaw, Janice Caster; sister, Sherrilynn Bosler and Jack; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Juanita Caster and nephew, Don Paul Siler. Gary was a graduate of El Reno High School, Purdue University, and California Western School of Law. At Purdue, he received a Metallurgical Engineering degree with a minor in Nuclear Science. He also studied Electrical and Nuclear Engineering. He retired from the Navy where he served on the nuclear submarine, U.S.S. Henry Clay and flew F-4 Phantom jets with the Tom Cat Squadron. He was Air Operations/Air Logistics Officer with U.S. Navy European Command/Italy for four years. Gary served as President of the Purdue Alumni Association of San Diego and the Home Owners Association of Silver Lakes. He was a member of Toast Masters International, American Legion, Retired Officers Association, Association of Naval Aviation, NAB Coronado Sailing Club, California Trial Lawyers Association, America's Cup Task Force of the City of Imperial Beach, CA, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, Law Revue and Holy Innocents Catholic Church of Victorville, CA. He was a sailing and skiing instructor and a practicing attorney in San Diego, CA. Services are pending in Silver Lakes. Graveside services will be held at a later date in El Reno Cemetery.
Published in The Oklahoman on 5/23/2006.