Ralph Caston III, 79, formerly of Burlington, died from complications of a stroke on his 79th birthday, Nov. 14, 2024, at his home in Surprise, Ariz. He was surrounded by loved ones. Born on Nov. 14, 1945, he was the son of Ralph Jr. and Carol Caston of Caston’s Shoe Shop.
In 1963, Ralph III graduated from Burlington High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Army. In South Korea, he was a supply manager for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division. After the military, Ralph worked in management for Pizza Hut. He married Marty (Martin) Caslyn in 1971. They later divorced.
He attended Southeastern Community College and went on to earn a BA from Western Illinois University. Ralph joined the family business, Caston’s Shoe Shop, and took over when his parents retired. Ralph enjoyed conversations with customers, which often included his own brand of philosophy and humor. He was always available to young people who would come by the shoe shop looking for someone to talk to.
He encouraged them to step up in life and seek their own happiness. He told The Burlington Hawkeye’s Bob Saar: “I was put here for people to witness to. I have listened to a lot of people. I would explain to them where they could get information and how they could improve their situation.” Ashlin Schwartz, who appreciated his encouragement, helped in the shop and ran errands.
Many people, including family members, are grateful for Ralph’s compassionate listening. When his younger sister Merry dropped out of high school, Ralph convinced her to take the GED tests and attend community college. Because she was reluctant, Ralph drove her to her first class and took it with her. Merry went on to earn a master's of fine arts and became a college teacher, all because her brother cared.
When his father died in 1994, Ralph provided a stable foundation for his mother and special needs brother, Randy. After his mother chose to reside at the Burlington Care Center at the age of 89, Ralph drove there every day and delivered the bookkeeping for the shoe shop. Because of his devotion, she was able to stay active up until her death at 93.
Ralph was also devoted to his two daughters, Melynda Caston of Montana and V. Amanda Williams of Arizona. He enjoyed his grandchildren, Aurora, Juston, Kaylyn, and Ambrose; Jacob, Elizabeth, Aden, and Landon; and great-grandsons, Kaladin and Atticus, as well as his sons-in-law, Anthony Allen and Brandon Williams.
After his mother passed away, Ralph closed Caston’s Shoe Shop and moved to Arizona. He started a new life and enjoyed talking to customers at his daughter and granddaughter’s Anime store near Phoenix.
His brother Randy, who died before him, enjoyed Ralph’s quirky humor and steady presence. His older sister Betty Evetts of Texas will miss his phone calls. He will be remembered by his sister Merry and brother Richard as a generous person who would “give you the shirt off his back.” His daughters will always miss him.
A celebration of life will be announced later.