Jack Kastman

Jack Kastman, 94, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. The love Jack felt for his country made the Fourth his favorite holiday, and so it was fitting that Jesus chose this day to bring Jack home.

Born on Feb. 17, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri, Jack was a man of deep faith and profound love for his family. Relationships were vital to Jack, and he thrived from the energy he drew from those in his life. In fact, when with Jack, you needed to be ready for eye contact and robust conversation as he wasn’t very fond of sitting around staring at the phone. Above all, Jack was generous and selfless, living life as the Scripture states, “...in humility, count others more important than yourself.” Cherished by family, friends and the community, Jack exemplified this by never thinking twice when someone needed a helping hand.

Early in life, Jack developed a strong sense of loyalty and discipline, displayed by earning the level of Eagle Scout and later receiving the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Boy Scouts. These achievements foretold his lifetime of commitment to others.

Jack attended Southern Methodist University from 1949 to 1953 on a basketball scholarship, excelling as a student-athlete. After graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. Following his military service, Jack made Lubbock his home, where he quickly became involved in public life. From 1964 to 1968, he served on the Lubbock City Council and continued his civic engagement, participating through many boards, commissions and leadership roles too numerous to list.

Professionally, Jack was a successful insurance and real estate developer who left a lasting mark on the Lubbock landscape. Among his many development projects were the Melonie Park and the Melonie Park South subdivisions. He also honored the memory of his young son’s passing through the creation of Bryan Kastman Park, a lasting tribute to both love and legacy.

With his passion to learn and serve continuing into retirement, Jack became a graduate gemologist for Meyers Jewelers. He also served as an ombudsman for several local retirement facilities where he loved advocating for residents in need.

As an accomplished athlete, Jack enjoyed golf and tennis with friends well into his 80s. He was also an ardent supporter of any sport being played by his Texas Tech Red Raiders. And during football season, the television was going to be tuned to either the Kansas City Chiefs or Dallas Cowboys.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John Alfred Kastman and Francis Wiles Kastman; his sister, Nancy Kastman Scott; and his beloved son, Bryan Kastman. He is survived by his wife, Gerry Meyers Kastman, and many loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would also like to give a heart-felt thank you to all the caregivers and staff at Crown Point Health Suites’ Emerald House and Covenant Health’s Hospice of Lubbock for their many months of love, care and support.

A private, military service was held to celebrate Jack’s life at his request. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Children’s Home of Lubbock or Lubbock Meals on Wheels.