Rev. Dr. David B. Castrodale

The Reverend Doctor David B. Castrodale, age 88, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

David was born in Burlington, IA to Elmer and Florence Castrodale, who predeceased him, as well as brothers John, Paul and James. He is survived by his devoted wife Patricia, his sister Mary, his brother-in-law William (Linda) Kortum, three daughters: Joy Hebner (Rick), Joan Denniston (Patrick) and Deborah Bastien (Dan), grandchildren: Rick and Tracy Hebner, Amber Chambers, Christopher Yaple, great-grandchildren: Bryan Barringer, Dekota and Caryssa Hebner, Jaide, Derek and Corbin Curtis, Rose Douglas, Aaliyah Pattynama, as well as many nieces, nephews, church family and special friends.

David was a graduate of Macalester College, Dubuque Seminary and received his Doctorate in Theology from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He gave his first sermon in 1950, was ordained in 1957 and continued what he considered his “great privilege to be a Presbyterian pastor” for the next 62 years. His pastorates included most recently serving at Alexandria Presbyterian Church (MO), in addition to those in Missouri, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa, whose congregations included 200 to 2,000 members, the shepherding of four successful major building programs, significant increases in per capita giving and endowment funds, as well as implementing a TV ministry.

David was Moderator of Presbytery three times, Moderator of Synod, served on the Broadcast and Film Commission, the Evangelism Committee, judicial commissions, served as counselor for the Major Mission Fund, fundraiser of the North Central Wee Kirk Conference and on the Board of the North Central Conference.  

He received many special honors, most recently being recognized as Pastor Emeritus by Missouri Union Presbytery, as well as the prestigious ESTARL International Award for Excellence in Ministry, two National preaching awards, a special commendation from Missouri Union Presbytery, and was the National radio preacher for one term, (not surprising given his life-long love of radio broadcasting and his Doctoral thesis/book, “Communicating the Gospel,” an analysis of radio and television ministries.)  One of his first accomplishments was beginning a Christian radio station in Sitka Alaska. 

David felt that, “God has opened new doors of service,” after his first cancer diagnosis and throat surgery, through keynotes and speaking engagements across the country for the International Association of Laryngectomees, and by becoming an instructor in alaryngeal speech, training and counselling numerous surgeons and other laryngectomees.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:30am on Monday, August 23, 2021 at Alexandria Presbyterian Church, 106 E Market St, Alexandria, MO.  Friends may call at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau St, Keokuk IA 52632 on Sunday, August 22, 2021 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm (the family will not be present).  Memorial gifts may be made to Alexandria Presbyterian Church, 106 E Market St, Alexandria, MO 63430.

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