PHILIP CASTER was born October 6, 1932 to the late Philip Caster & Alice Ware Caster in Abbeville, SC and later moved to Ware Shoals, SC. His parents were deceased at an early stage in life and he was later raised by his elder sister & brother-in-law Ruby and Daniel Hawthorne in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Emma Maddox Junior High School in South Carolina and concluded his education at Simon Gratz Senior High School in Philadelphia, PA. He entered the United States Army in 1953 and received an honorable discharge in 1956. He met and married Mary E. Martin and from that union were reared seven children. One son Philip Andre Caster, preceded him in death. He was employed as a professional driver of big rigs and motor coaches, retiring from Kennedy Krieger as a shuttle driver. He joined the Bibleway Freewill Baptist Church (currently Bibleway Christian Fellowship Church) in 1977 under the leadership of Bishop J. L. Gamble. There he served faithfully as a member of the usher board and was an active member of the Male Chorus until he became ill. One of his favorite spirituals was "Everybody Ought To Praise His Name, ("If a Robin Can Say Thank You, You Can Do It Too") by the Mighty Clouds of Joy. He often attended bible classes, enjoyed reading scripture, and was a lover of music. He played the conga and bongo drum, enjoyed singing and cooking, and was quite the comedian. He leaves to cherish his memory, devoted wife, Mary E. Caster; daughters, Patricia Powell, Gwendalyn Caster-Greene, Phyllis Purvis, Beverly Reddy and faithful family friend Gail Graham; two sons, Artis Fonville and Roy Caster; one daughter in-law, Tracy Green-Caster; four sons-in-law, Frankie Powell, Stanton Greene, Herman Purvis, and Brian Reddy; nine grandchildren, Virginia, Chanel, Roy Jr., Stanton II, Tiffany, Brian II, Aynier, Corliss and Gabrielle; ten great-grandchildren, Chayse, Alayna, Camari S., Cayla, Caitlyn, Samuel, Camari, Eboni, and Sophia (Royce preceded him in death); a special nephew Albert Daniel who was like a son; one sibling, Syble Medina (seven preceded him in death); a special nephew Minister James (Jimmy) Sussewell; nieces, Ruby, Betty, and Debbie; cousin Lil' Ruby; three faithful neighbors Sharon, Judy, and Trevor; good friend and barber, Deacon Solomon Grant, and a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Friday, February 07, 2014 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave.
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Directions Funeral Service Bibleway Christian Fellowship Church Saturday, February 08, 2014 10:30 AM Email Details 4412 Maine Ave.
Baltimore, MD Funeral to begin @ 11:00 am Directions