Ralph L. Caston III

Ralph L Caston III, age 79 of Surprise, AZ died Nov. 14, 2024, in his home in Surprise of complications following a stroke. He was born Nov. 14, 1945, to Ralph L Caston Jr. and Carol M Caston in Burlington, IA. Ralph, spent his formative years in Burlington, IA where he graduated from Burlington Community High School. After graduation he went on to join the US Army. He served in the US Army 4th Infantry Division, in South Korea, as a Supply Manager until 1969. After the military he continued his education, graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in English [always hoping it would rub off on him if he took enough classes] and 5 minors including Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology. Ralph met Marty (Martin) Caslyn, and they were married on July 5th, 1971, later to divorce in 1983. The couple remained in touch for the rest of his life. Ralph’s professional life included four years as a store manager for Pizza Hut before he came to work for the family business, Caston Shoe Shop, in 1974, eventually taking over the business when his father retired. He retired in 2019, closing the business after a 74-year run. Ralph enjoyed his retirement by moving to Surprise, AZ to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with his eight grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In Surprise he was integral in opening an outlet of his daughter’s business, Isle of Misfits, to help run and manage with his granddaughter and he’d enjoy the day-to-day of talking to customers to philosophize with them. Ralph always said he was skeptical realist, though he was really a true philosopher: lover of wisdom, existence, and knowledge. Ralph was best known for being philanthropic and a hard worker. Ralph was an amazing constructive listener who shared that talent with those around him by helping others to see and understand their worlds better. He was known for his stories. His favorites included: how his oldest daughter wrecked his car just to pick out another one; how he stopped aging at 39, like Jack Benny; how he ran for the Iowa State Legislature to be a state senator; how his ex-wife tried to kill him in a car accident and she ended up in a turtle cast while he had some gravel in his belt from being ejected from the car; and after proposing to his one and only wife it hailed on him and he could never decide if it was a good or bad omen. Ralph is survived by his daughters Melynda Caston of Missoula, MT, and V. Amanda Williams of Glendale, AZ. His grandchildren, Aurora, Juston, Kaylyn, and Ambrose, and Jacob, Elizabeth, Aden and Landon. As well and his great grandchildren Kaladin and Atticus. He is also survived by his half-sister Betty Evans and sister Merry Caston and brother Richard. Ralph was proceed in death by his father, Ralph L Caston Jr in 1994, Mother Carol M Caston in 2018, Brother, Randy in 2015. He was a beloved member of the community, father, and friend to all. His unique spirit will be greatly missed and though we know Ralph is no longer with us his memory will live on in us all. Celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

Ralph L. Caston III

November 14, 1945 - November 14, 2024