Gail Lynn Casteel

Gail Lynn Casteel, 61, of Chatham, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her children and the love of her life, Tom, after a short battle with lung cancer.

Gail was born September 1, 1961, in Springfield, the daughter of Don and Snooks Hashman. She grew up in Chatham and graduated from Chatham Glenwood High School in 1979. She married Tom Casteel on December 1, 1995, on the beach in Naples, FL.

Gail had a successful career as an I.T. professional for the past 40 years, and was employed by The Franklin Life Insurance Co., LRS, and most recently Horace Mann Insurance Co. To know Gail was to know a fighter. She gave 100% effort to everything she did, whether it was her work, cheering her kids and grandkids on from the sideline, or getting after a referee when she knew they could do better. She enjoyed playing golf in multiple leagues, and a few tournaments and events each summer, but her biggest joy was being GiGi to her grandkids. In her short time with them she made every one of them feel special by making it to their games, meets, horse shows and birthday parties as often as she could. Gail also loved her many dogs and leaves behind Crosby and Finnigan. Gail will be missed deeply by her family and friends, but undoubtedly made an impression on this world that anybody who knew her will never forget.

She was preceded in death by her father, Don Hashman; in-laws, Phil and Carolyn Casteel; and nephew, Patrick Grider.

Gail is survived by a large family, including her mother, Snooks; husband, Tom; and children, Scott Casteel of Champaign, IL, Erin (Dax) Campbell of Chatham, Larry (Katie) Gunville of Gahanna, OH, Alaree (Chris) Malone of Decatur, GA, Erin (Deron Bruce) Gunville of Olathe, KS, and Brennan (Kassandra Quintana) Gunville of Lexington, IL. Gail and Tom have 9 grandchildren, Ryleigh, Addison, and Chase Campbell, Aspen and Kylen Gunville, Kamdyn and Spencer Malone, Kaison and Maverick Gunvile, and a 10th will be coming soon, Kehlani Lynn Bruce.

She is also survived by eight siblings, Don (Michelle) Hashman of Naples, FL, Janice (Larry) Logan of Chatham, Gwen (Bob) Morgan of Chatham, De Anne (Jerry) Hemberger of Loami, Sheila (Jerry) Hargitt of Willamina, OR, Julie (Chris) Rankin of Warsaw, IN, Heidi (Craig) Stevens of Murfreesboro, TN, and Cindy (Gary) Hoffmeister of Tomball, TX. Also, sister-in-law, Marcia (Skip) Stevens of Champaign; brother-in-law, Mike (Jen) Casteel of Woodstock, GA; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

No immediate services are planned. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to W.I.L.D. Canine Rescue, 3309 Robbins Rd. #109, Springfield, IL 62704; the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702; or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 222718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.