Everette Kenneth “Ken” Casteel of the Romeo community passed away on March 23, 2023, at home with his wife holding his hand. Ken was born on September 26, 1949, to Everett and Sally Brown Casteel. A lifelong Greene County native, Ken was a beloved and well-known member of the Romeo community and often referred to as the “Unofficial Mayor of Romeo”. He received this title because of his goodhearted nature, outgoing personality, and ability to instantly befriend everyone he met as he never knew a stranger. His unofficial office would have been the bench at Stuckey’s where he met his friends there daily.

After graduating from North Greene High School in 1967, Ken joined The United States Navy serving as Yeoman and earning the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer. As a proud Vietnam Veteran, Ken enjoyed recanting his experiences from serving on the USS Cone DD866 as captain’s talker in the crow’s nest. According to Ken, one night while taking enemy fire, the bombing was so intense the captain said: “Son, if we live through this, you will have something to tell your grandchildren about.” They made it through the battle, and Ken beamed with pride when telling his children and grandchildren the story.

After serving in the Navy, Ken returned to Greeneville where he worked at Parker Hannifin, retiring after 32 years of employment. He also worked with John Walker in construction for many years and was a member of the Greeneville Moose Lodge.

In 1973, Ken married the love of his life, DiAnn Brown. Together they raised three children, Trisha, Camille, and Cheyenne, instilling in them his love of riding horses, trail riding, camping, and God. Although the children are now adults, Ken still called them daily to check in and see if they needed anything and always ended the conversation with “I love you.” His children will forever cherish memories of him tracking them on Find My Friends App and calling them to tell them which store they were at or telling them what they just posted on Facebook. He loved his family fiercely and would drive to the ends of the earth to give them what they needed.

Ken was a devoted member of Romeo Church. He loved attending services every time the church doors were open and was honored to serve as the chairman of the Romeo Church Trustees.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dr. DiAnn Brown Casteel; and his children, Trisha Wilhoit,Camille Berkley (Curtis) of Knoxville, and Cheyenne Casteel of Atlanta, GA; five beloved grandchildren who will forever fondly remember their “Paw Ken”: Vanessa Berkley, Jackson Berkley, and Tucker Berkley all of Knoxville, and Kenly Wilhoit and Ty Wilhoit; brother, Kay Lynn (Patsy) Casteel; sister in law, Virginia Cooter; nieces & nephews: Travis Cooter (Shelly), Carrie Koppin, (Brett), Valerie Fain, Lindsey Connell, Shantelle Casteel, and Hunter Casteel; and several great nieces and great nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Everett Carter Casteel, his mother, Sally Elizabeth Brown, and his brother, Keith Casteel.