William S. Casselle Sr.

In Loving Memory of William S. Casselle Sr. William S. Casselle Sr., age 77, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, kindness, and dedication to his family and education.

He was a cherished father, loving grandfather, esteemed educator, accomplished swim instructor, and beloved coach. Born on February 21,1947 in Williamsburg, VA, Willam discovered his passion for teaching and swimming early in life. After graduating from Bruton Heights High School in 1965, he attended Tennessee A&I State University. While there he accomplished many goals by being a member of the swim team and receiving his undergraduate degree in Physical Education in 1970. After earning his degree, William permanently moved to Kansas City, MO with his oldest sister Ramona. He immediately began his career in education with the Kansas CIty MO School District. In addition, he received his Master of Education degree in 1976. William’s remarkable career in education spanned 32 years. Known for his innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to his students, William touched the lives of countless individuals during his tenure with KCPS. Beyond the classroom, WIlliam was an avid swimmer and dedicated swim instructor. His love for the water led him to become a respected coach, guiding aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential. His coaching extended far beyond the pool, instilling in his students the values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.

His legacy will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the lessons he imparted. In addition to his professional accomplishments, William was a God-fearing man. He was a member of Graceway Church (KCMO) and proudly served on various ministries including Way of Life, Safe for Men, and was a greeter on the Hospitality Team. William was known for his generous spirit, infectious smile, and ability to inspire those around him. He absolutely cherished family gatherings, self-made holidays and moments spent with loved ones. William enjoyed a variety of physical activities, including pickleball, volleyball, and softball. He was always up for a challenging game, whether it was chess, Tonk, or Bid Whist. One of his most valued hobbies was to count the days in which he, his children and grandchildren were alive. William loved quoting Psalms 90:12, “Teach us to number our days so we can know how few they are; and help us to live them as we should.” When he left this earth, he was 28,267 days old.

William was a loving husband, devoted father to Kelly (Rocky) Balfour, Damon Newton, Kenya (Marcus) Givens, and Will Casselle, Jr., a cherished G-Dad/grandfather to Chase, Chance, Auston, Aidan, Alijah, August, Peyton, Lexis, Maya, and Tyler. William was honored to be Godfather to Alea Roberts. William truly loved his sisters: Jacklyn Casselle Tupponce, Jeanne Johnson, and LaCanas Casselle; nephews: Dwann (Vernell) Buford, D. Langston (Sheila) Tupponce Jr. Nieces: Tomaree Tupponce (Michael) Tarpley, Evea Casselle, LaShaunn Casselle, and Tiffani Tupponce (James) Ezell; and a host of great nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. William was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, older brother, Willard Casselle, Jr. and oldest sister, Ramona Casselle Buford. His grandson, Jalen Thornton and granddaughter, Anaya Newton.

A Visitation for William will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Graceway Church, 5460 Blue Ridge Cutoff, Raytown, MO 64133, followed by a Celebration of Life from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.