Richard Ralph Kasten Sr., age 74, of Greenville, South Carolina, formerly of Flora, passed away Monday, August 21, 2017, in South Carolina.

   Richard was born May 6, 1943, in Alton, the son of Ralph and Rita (Wendle) Kasten.  He was united in marriage to Mary Helen Klein on June 4, 1966, at St. Stephen’s Church in Flora and together they’ve shared 51 years of marriage.

   Richard graduated Alton High School in 1961 and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1964-1968.  His love of planes continued as he devoted his career of 45 years to the Aircraft Industry.

   He is survived by his wife Mary Kasten; children: Rebecca (Jason) Musgrave and Richard (Valorie) Kasten Jr.; brother-in-law: Jim (Mary) Klein; nieces and nephews: Karen (Bryan) Duncan, Jim Klein Jr., Mike (Jerra) Klein, and Andy (Deirdre) Klein.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, and a brother-in-law: Jake Klein.

   A funeral mass for Richard Kasten Sr. will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 28, 2017, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Flora.  Interment will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations in Richard’s memory may be given for masses or to St. Stephen’s Cemetery Fund and will be accepted through the funeral home.