Celebrating the life of
Robert Edward Kastner
November 14, 1929 - April 15, 2013
Robert Edward Kastner
Colonel USAF Ret.
Born in Minnesota November 14, 1929 and died in Savannah, Georgia at Spanish Oaks Retreat on Monday, April 15th. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Helen Haynie Kastner. Surviving are his daughter, Elizabeth Kastner; his son, Matthew Kastner, his wife, Agnes Bua; and granddaughters, Noella and Alianne, all of California. Also surviving is his sister, Dorothy Blackbird, as well as nieces and nephews who live in Minnesota.
Bob was a pilot who loved flying and traveling the world. Among his many interesting assignments was serving as an instructor to the Nationalist Chinese Air Force and as pilot for Bob Hope on one of his Christmas tours in Vietnam. He was stationed in Japan, Bangkok, North Africa, Taiwan, California and Illinois. After twenty-six years he retired in South Carolina where he had been the Base Commander of Charleston Air Force Base.
Having majored in music at San Jose State College, he enjoyed all types of music and especially his years of singing in church choirs and with the Stockton Chorale.
Moving to Savannah, Bob married Ann Yale Burrus in 2004. His new family included Perry and Sarah Burrus of Beaufort, SC and their children, Ward, Patrick, Amelia and James; Yale Burrus and his son, Charlie of Dalton and William Burrus of Savannah.
A memorial service will be held for Bob at St. John's Church on Friday, April 19th at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to the St. John's Church, Green-Meldrim Restoration Fund, 1 West Macon Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
I met Bob through Spanish Oaks. I was truly honored by his presence. He personified class, dignity and graciousness. I enjoyed our sessions of music, singing and fellowship. He was an inspiration to me personally. Thank you, Bob, for that opportunity. Ann, you were so caring and so dedicated. I will miss our times together.
- Dennis Smith, Richmond Hill, GA
My family was a warm and loving group, with many bright and witty relatives. When my cousin Helen married Bob in 1956, he became a star at our gatherings. With his intelligence, sense of humor, charm, and grace, Bob was the perfect host and the perfect guest. I remember laughing with Bob so many times that I can't single out just one. Bob was there at Christmas of 1958, which all of us have always remembered as our best holiday ever. Goodbye Bob, and thanks for the wonderful memories! My deepest sympathy to Elizabeth and Matthew, and to Ann. And also to Bob's sister Dottie, who is arguably even wittier than her brother was!
- Patricia McDermott Rhodes, El Paso, TX
What a wonderful, wonderful man! My memories of him are filled with lots of laughter, parties and jokes. He was always so bright, clever and delightful -- he will truly be missed. To Beeb and Matt, Matt's family and Bob's wife, my condolences and my love. -- Jen Clement
- Jennifer Clement, St. Louis, MO
I met Bob through Spanish Oaks. I was truly honored by his presence. He personified class, dignity and graciousness. I enjoyed our sessions of music, singing and fellowship. He was an inspiration to me personally. Thank you, Bob, for that opportunity. Ann, you were so caring and so dedicated. I will miss our times together.
- Dennis Smith, Richmond Hill, GA
My family was a warm and loving group, with many bright and witty relatives. When my cousin Helen married Bob in 1956, he became a star at our gatherings. With his intelligence, sense of humor, charm, and grace, Bob was the perfect host and the perfect guest. I remember laughing with Bob so many times that I can't single out just one. Bob was there at Christmas of 1958, which all of us have always remembered as our best holiday ever. Goodbye Bob, and thanks for the wonderful memories! My deepest sympathy to Elizabeth and Matthew, and to Ann. And also to Bob's sister Dottie, who is arguably even wittier than her brother was!
- Patricia McDermott Rhodes, El Paso, TX
What a wonderful, wonderful man! My memories of him are filled with lots of laughter, parties and jokes. He was always so bright, clever and delightful -- he will truly be missed. To Beeb and Matt, Matt's family and Bob's wife, my condolences and my love. -- Jen Clement
- Jennifer Clement, St. Louis, MO
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
