William Henry Kastner

William Henry Kastner, COL, USARMY (RET), 95, of Charleston, SC, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

William, son of the late Olive Jarboe and William Benedict Kastner, was born on July 25, 1928, in Evansville, IN.

William was commissioned into the Regular Army upon graduating from The Citadel Class of 1950. He began his 24-year Army Corps of Engineer career as a Combat Engineer in the First Cavalry Division. As a newly commissioned lieutenant, he landed in Korea's Pusan Perimeter and fought throughout the first years' campaigns, first against the North Koreans and then the Chinese Communists. Returning to the States, he supervised construction of downrange tracking stations for the newly established NASA. Throughout his career, he commanded units up to an Engineer Group. His various staff positions culminated in occupying a general officer position at the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Science in Civil Engineering from The Citadel, a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Science from Stanford University, and a PhD ABD from the University of Houston.

Besides his parents, William is preceded in death by his brother, Albert Raymond "Buzzy" Kastner.

William is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Mary Lloyd "Betty" Kastner; son, William George Kastner (Cydney) and daughter, Deborah Anne Morelli. He also leaves six grandchildren: Stuart Morelli (Amy), Reed Kastner (Sarah), Betsy Keeler (Cory), Katie Kastner (Wilson), Ross Kastner (Lauren), and Steven Morelli (Julie). William was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date and time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalsiter-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414 (843) 722-8371.