Billy Brooks Kasbaum

Billy Brooks Kasbaum, Lt. Col. US Army, retired, 90 years old, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 5, after an extended illness. He was born and raised in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, but lived most of his life in Midwest City.

His is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Bernice Kasbaum, brother, Hugh Kasbaum, and sisters Mary Jane Morton and Patty Sue Williams. He is survived by his older brother Louis Kasbaum of Moore. He is also, survived by many nieces and nephews: Wesley Kasbaum (Lois) of Edmond, Greg Kasbaum (Becky) of OKC, Pam Conine (Jim) of Wisconsin, Bruce Morton (Sharon) of Alabama, Janet (Ron) Riley of Atlanta, Ga., and Mary Anita Patterson, Teresa Bryson, Rodney (Denise) Patterson, Lucian Patterson (Delana), Herbie Williams, Yvonne (Joe) Brown, Randy Williams, Connie (Walter) Lovell all of Nashville, TN. There are 22 great nieces and nephews and many great-great nieces and nephews. All who loved their Uncle Billy. In addition, Mike Rodman (Cathy) of Midwest City regarded him as his father, since he took him in as a young boy and raised him.

LTC Kasbaum served in the Marine Corps as a tank commander in WWII. He was the sole survivor when his tank was blown up at Iwo Jima. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the US Army in the 45th Signal Company of the 45th Infantry Division where he received the Bronze Star. He served many years in the Oklahoma National Guard from which he retired.

In addition, to his military career, he worked briefly at the OKC Post Office and then worked at Tinker Field where he took his second retirement.

Mr. Kasbaum was devoted to the Lord and was a member of East Side Church of Christ in Midwest City for more than 60 years, where he also taught Sunday school for over 25 years. He was also a great believer in education and donated to Oklahoma Christian University where there is a scholarship in his name. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Billy Kasbaum Scholarship at Oklahoma Christian University.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Eastside Church of Christ 916 S. Douglas Blvd with interment at Schwartz Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, Del City, Oklahoma.