Obituary of Kenneth Allen Caswell

Kenneth Allen Caswell went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 12, 2021. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ken was born in Carlisle, Kentucky on December 7, 1936 to Goebel Campbell Caswell and Esta Joseph (E.J.) Caswell, the youngest of eleven children. He helped his family sharecrop until he took his high school basketball team to the state finals, which helped him earn a full basketball scholarship to Presbyterian College in South Carolina. This gave him two of the loves of his life: basketball, and his beautiful German tutee and eventual wife Linda Poe. Ken was an Army veteran, with a stint in the Army Reserves as well. Once he was discharged, Ken worked as a chemist until he heard a calling from God and went back to school to become a minister. He graduated from Emmanuel School of Religion with two Masters Degrees, and started serving the community at Upper Shell Creek Christian Church in Roan Mountain, TN while earning his degrees. Ken ministered at Foscoe Christian Church in Foscoe, NC for 23 years and was a beloved fixture in the community. After "retirement," he continued to preach as an interim minister for many years, and served as the Seniors Minister at First Christian Church of Mountain City for 15 years. Ken was an avid gardener, and he loved growing things. He grew a huge garden every year he could manage it, and passed that love down to his family (and all the goodies to many people in the community). He was extremely passionate about college basketball (GO CATS!), despite Linda's best attempts to get him into hockey, and that love stayed with him even until his last days. Above all, Ken Caswell was a child of God. He served God and others with a compassion and love that was visible to everyone who met him. He touched countless lives with his eloquent sermons, with his tireless work in the community, and with his relentless love of the people in and out of his care. A visit with Ken left everyone with something to ponder or wisdom to carry with them. He will be greatly missed. Ken was preceded in death by his parents Esta Joseph and Goebel Caswell, and siblings Adrain Scott, Estella Marshall, Helen Noe, Edwin "Buddy" Caswell, and Robert "Bobby" Caswell. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Linda Poe Caswell; his son Kenneth Allen Caswell Jr. and wife Olympia Petrila Caswell of Franklin, MA; his daughter Mary "Missy" Caswell Taylor and husband David Taylor of Foscoe, NC; his grandchildren Mary Rachel Taylor of Chicago, IL, Rebecca Caswell Newberg of Minneapolis, MN, and Katherine Caswell of Cumberland, RI; his brothers EJ "Jay" Caswell Jr. and James "Jimmy" Caswell. Private family graveside services were conducted at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & gardens, officiated by Pastor Christopher Wilson and Mr. Ronnie Hopper. A Celebration of Life service will be scheduled and announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to Foscoe Christian Church, 8834 NC Highway 105 South, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Caswell family.