KILMARNOCK—On January 4, 2020, Edmond Burrell Caster of Kilmarnock passed peacefully into eternal rest at the Lancashire Convalescent Rehabilitation Center surrounded by family.
The son of the late James and Maria Smith Caster, he was born on August 10, 1931, in Kilmarnock.
Edmond was the sixth of 11 children born into a large, nurturing family grounded in love and Christian principles. He dedicated his life to Christ at an early age. He was baptized and was a supportive lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church in Kilmarnock. When he moved to Washington, D.C., he continued his Christian journey by attending Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.
Edmond received his early education in Northumberland County where he graduated from Julius Rosenwald High School. He continued his education at Virginia State College in Petersburg, earning a Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1954. Edmond was a member of the ROTC program and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. After graduating from college, he served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army achieving the rank of first lieutenant.
Following Edmond’s completion of military service, he briefly taught mathematics at A.T. Wright High School in White Stone. Over the years, his students have recalled his deep knowledge and command of mathematics.
During his assignment in Virginia, he met Thelma L. Henley from Trenton, N.J. They were joined in marriage on June 27, 1959. They were blessed with one daughter, Sandra Lynn.
In 1961, they moved to Washington, D.C. where Edmond would begin a civilian career as a mathematician at the David W. Taylor Naval Research and Development Center in Carderock, Md. One of the highlights of his career was participating in a one-year scientist exchange program in England. He enjoyed his assignment there which included extensive travels throughout Europe. During the summer, he was delighted that his wife and daughter could join him in his travels.
He was a member of the Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association. Edmond was also a 50-year member of BoatUS. As an avid sports enthusiast, he was a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins and the New York Yankees.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Thelma L. Henley Caster; his parents; two brothers, Robert J. Caster and Herman P. Caster; and two sisters, Lois C. Winstead and Patricia O. Caster.
His cherished memories will forever be shared by his beloved daughter, Sandra C. Fykes and son-in-law Keith; three sisters, Ruth Ball, Marian Geason and Dorothy Caster; three brothers, Willis H. Caster (Rosetta), John Henry O. Caster and Benjamin R. Caster (Otelia); numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life and Legacy Service was held Saturday, January 11, at Calvary Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery.
