Paul Elvin Kasten

Paul Elvin Kasten, 93, formerly of Bronaugh, more recently of Nevada, died Friday, Oct. 1, 2010, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center. He was born Sept. 14, 1917, in Vernon County, the son of Rudolf Kasten and Amanda Webber Kasten. He graduated from Nevada High School. He married Hazel F. Goben on Feb. 7, 1948, in Kansas City, Mo. She preceded him in death on April 4, 2005.

Paul served in the United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean Conflict, being awarded six bronze stars and the good conduct medal. During World War II, he served as a mechanic and crew chief on the P38 in the 8th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the "Eight Ballers." During the Korean Conflict, he was assigned to the B36 Peacemaker. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post No. 1165. He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Nevada.

Survivors include seven nephews and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife Hazel; three sisters, Marguerite Johnson, Katherine Garton, and Marie Barringer, as well as his parents.

The Rev. Chuck Russell conducted funeral services for Paul Kasten at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 4, in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial followed in the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott. Military Honors were provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post No. 1165 VFW. Memorials are suggested to the VFW Post No. 1165 and may be left in c/o Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kan.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.