Paul Philip "Phil" Kaster

Paul Philip “Phil” Kaster, 86, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Shelbyville.

He was born December 3, 1938, in Shelby County, the son of Paul Gray and Mary Elizabeth (Epperson) Kaster. On June 27, 1958, he married his wife of 66 years, Freda Fleener, and she survives.

In addition to Freda, Phil is survived by his daughters, Danette Kaster, and Paula Kaster and husband, Mark Polston, of Shelbyville; son, Craig Kaster of Sheridan; sister, Janet Compton of Flat Rock; grandchildren, Jonathan Hoop and significant other, Maggie, Jared Hoop and significant other, Danielle, Benjamin Purvis and wife, Tiera, Abraham Purvis and wife, Alison, Caitlyn Sherrill and husband, Brian, Levi Kaster and Luke Kaster; great-grandchildren, Zeno Hoop, Lydia Purvis, Roman Purvis, Cameron Purvis and Parker Sherrill.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Mark Kaster.

In 1956, Phil graduated from Shelbyville High School.

He was a devoted member of Hope’s Point Church, where he had served as deacon and trustee. Phil was the Chaplain of Gideons International, and was affectionately known as “The Bible Man.”

Phil served as President of Kasco, a company he and his father, founded and co-owned since July of 1965. He also served his community as a Shelby County Councilman, and a member of the Shelby County Board of Health and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Phil was a member and past president of Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association. He enjoyed going to Ferguson Tractor shows.

He loved to travel, including spending time at the Outer Banks climbing lighthouses and eating seafood. Phil and Freda enjoyed visiting all 50 states and going to several countries.

One of Phil’s greatest joys was engaging in conversations with others, whether at a farm equipment trade show, or in everyday life. He always said, “Everyone has a story.” And he wanted to hear it.

Visitation will be from 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hope’s Point Church, 1703 South Miller Avenue, Shelbyville, Indiana, 46176.

Funeral services will begin at 2 pm, Saturday, at the church, with Pastor Greg Albert officiating.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Fund at Hope’s Point Church, 1703 South Miller Avenue, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Gideon International Shelbyville Camp, Box 452, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176

Online condolences may be shared with Phil’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.