Howard Lee Kastens was born January 17, 1931 in Anthony, Kansas, son of Howard W. and Florence (Smithhisler) Kastens.  He graduated from Anthony High School with the Class of 1948.  He was baptized and received his first communion at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anthony, where he remained a lifelong member.

At age 17, he had his mom sign so he could join the United States Navy, and was inducted on July 18, 1948 in Wichita, Kansas.  During his enlistment he served in the Korean Conflict.  He served on many ships including the USS Magpie which hit a submerged water mine and sank off the coast of Korea.  He was one of only 12 survivors.  He was honorably discharged on July 15, 1952.  In 2018, he was honored to take the Honor Flight to Washington DC.

On September 6, 1952, Howard Lee married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Johnson at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Anthony.  This union was blessed with five children: Mark, Diane, Carol, Tony, and Mike.

Howard Lee grew up on a farm and had a lifelong love for the land.  He and Jeanne made their home on a farm northwest of Anthony, later moving into town.  Howard Lee grew wheat crops and raised cattle.  The farm was a family affair and Jeanne and all the kids did their part.

Howard Lee was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He and Jeanne were dedicated to one another and made an outstanding team raising their family and running the farming operation.  They were blessed with 71 years of wedded bliss.  He was a wonderful, patient dad who instilled faith, integrity, and work ethic in his kids, never losing his temper when they made a mistake.  As a father and grandfather, he was a huge supporter of all his kids and grandkids' activities, especially track and field since he himself made the state track and field competition.  He never missed an opportunity to show up and support his family.   He was always excited to hear from family and friends, greeting everyone with his happy-go-lucky, good-natured personality.

After retiring, Howard Lee and Jeanne enjoyed traveling to visit all their kids and grandkids.  He enjoyed a good game of golf and was always willing to take your quarter in a game of, closest to the pin.   An avid tinkerer, he spent many hours trying to solve problems with unique solutions, by way of the three r's recycle, reuse, repurpose.  Knowledgeable in mechanics, he could fix just about anything.  Coffee breaks with his friends were a normal daily occurrence and a great opportunity for him to share some bull!

In 2022, Howard Lee made his home at Country Living in Anthony.  He and his family have been grateful for the wonderful and compassionate care he always received from the staff.

On August 10, 2024, Howard Lee passed away at Country Living at the age of 93.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanne on January 25, 2023; siblings: Phil Kastens, Mary Chippeaux, Virginia Warren, and Tom Kastens; and grandsons, David C. Headberg and Tyge Walker.

Howard Lee will be deeply missed by his children: Mark (JoAnn Wright) Kastens, Diane (Jeff) Headberg, Carol (Carey) Flaming, Tony (Cecilia) Kastens, Mike (Linda) Kastens; 10 grandchildren: Justin Kastens, Kara (Brian) Moore, Cyndra Kastens, Heather (Jamie) McGuigan, Cassie (Donavon) Turner, Chelsea (Corey Sheesley) Flaming, Reagan (Clay) Shelton, Nicole (Jeremy) Sheffler, Kate (Sam) Moylan, Lainey (Blake) Bontrager;  16 great-grandchildren; other relatives; and many friends.

Catholic Services will be held with the Recitation of Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Sacred Heart Church, Anthony, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish with Father Babu Pinninti as Celebrant.  Military Honors will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, west of Anthony.

Friends may sign the register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Prairie Rose in Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Howard Lee may be made to Country Living Inc., Interim Hospice, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or the Anthony Golf Course, and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.