Hal Hon Kasper, 84, of Evansville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 4:04 a.m.

He was born to William Henry Kasper and Mary Hon Kasper on February 19, 1926, at his grandparent’s home.

A [1944] graduate of Bosse High School, he was inducted into the military upon graduation and sent to "Tankers School" at Ft. Knox, Ky., and then to France. He was in WWII, Co. B 23rd Tank Battalion; 12th Armored; Occupation Medal - Germany; American Theater Ribbon EAME Theater Ribbon; WWII Bronze Stars and Victory Medal. He served from August 9, 1944, until July 3, 1946. On April 15, 1945, he was sitting on top of his tank and was hit by a missile near Burcheim, Germany. He is a recipient of the "Purple Heart." He served under General Patch and was part of General Patton's "Mystery Division."

Hal and Edna Ruth (Edwards) were married November 4, 1950, and celebrated their 50 years together with a special party!

He drove new Plymouths from the factory to the shipyards and helped load them on barges to be sent down the Ohio for southern distribution.

His father and he founded "William Kasper and Son Painting and Decorating," which was in business for 35 years; then he retired after 12 years as Maintenance Supervisor at Oak Meadows Country Club.

He loved traveling, fishing and camping. Many summers were spent boating on the Ohio and lakes around. He also enjoyed farming with his father-in-law, Ernest Edwards, in Illinois and also raised cattle.

After retirement, he and his wife, Edna Ruth, traveled all over the United States and across Canada. He especially liked Florida and North Carolina.

He was a member of the American Legion Funkhouser Post #8; Life member of VFW Post #1114; and Purple Heart. He was past president of the Ohio Valley Chapter Sons of the American Revolution; a member of the 12th Armored Division Association "Hellcats." He volunteered as a driver for the Disabled American Veterans for about eight years and logged over 200,000 miles from Evansville to VA hospitals for Veterans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry and Mary Edna (Hon) Kasper; grandparents, George and Dora (Hon) Hon and William and Frances (Wintz) Kasper; uncles, Kenneth, Donald and Harold Hon; and his uncle, "Babe" Kasper.

Hal is survived by his wife, Edna Ruth Kasper; aunt, Aletha Hon; cousins, Tom, Bill Hon, and Judy Dahlem of Ft. Smith, Ark.; John Hon and family of Houston, Texas; niece, Sarah Rose of Quincy, Ill.; cousins, Gwen Crowe and Jackie Harlan of Evansville.

Special thanks to the nursing staff and aides who cared for Hal at Woodbridge Nursing Facility. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by

Rev. Gene Backes, with entombment at Oak Hill Mausoleum. Friends may visit Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Methodist West Church, 3101 Hillcrest Terrace, Evansville, IN 47712. Condolences may be made online at www.alexanderwestchapel.com.

May 03, 2010
Hal was my best buddy. He always drove me to work at oak meadows country club in the winter. Edna i will always remember all our good times together.
Love Charlotte Samsil your friend in Plant City, Florida

May 03, 2010
Nothing Beautiful In This World Is Ever Really Lost Those We Cherish Will Always Live On In Memory.
With Deepest Sympathy, Deaconess Home Medical Equipment & Infusion Staff

May 03, 2010
Edna, Praying God's comfort for you and your family during this difficult time. Hal touched a lot of people and he'll be missed by all that knew and loved him!
Cheri (Sinnett) Baumberger

May 03, 2010
Hal never met a stranger, and always kept you laughing. He and Edna will always have a special place in my heart.
Sandy Khan, Evansville, Indiana

May 03, 2010
Edna, I only knew you and Hal through my mom, but you are the best people, and my prayers and sympathy are with you. He was a very good man, and that is what we all wish to be said of us looking back on our life.
Take care of yourself, Tony Fellows, Tampa, Florida

May 04, 2010
Edna, You and Hal were always my buddies when we lived down the street from you. He will be missed by so many. My condolences to you.
Bill Hon, Van Buren, Arkansas

May 04, 2010
Hal & I went through a lot as SAR members over about 30 years. I will never forget the time he asked me to pin his Purple Heart on him. He said it was never pinned on him and he gave me that honor! Edna, you have been a great friend for almost 40 years... Becky & I love you! Take care of yourself, see you soon.
John G. West, Evansville, Indiana

May 05, 2010
Edna, My prayers and sympathy are with you. Hal was my buddy at work and I enjoyed taking care of him while he was at deaconess. If you need anything you know we all loved you guys and hope you won’t be a stranger.
Teresa White, Deaconess 4100, Evansville, Indiana

May 06, 2010
Edna, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Wish I could be there with you now, but am in Germany with family. May your memories and God comfort you during this difficult time.
Martie Williams Cashion, Newburgh, Indiana