From High School	From Obituary

Walter Edward Casavant
 

Below is an updated Obituary published in the Chattanoogan.com on December 24, 2013

Edward was born Aug. 12, 1947, in Chattanooga to the late A.R. “Cas” and Nancye Casavant.  He attended Chattanooga High School and graduated in 1966.  He attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh.  He graduated in 1970 with a degree in Soil Science. He was a dedicated environmentalist and had a long career working first with the North Carolina State Extension Service and then the Mecklenburg County Health Department in North Carolina

He recently retired from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation after serving 37 years.  Additionally, he was a certified Soil Classifier in the State of Georgia.  During his career, he particularly enjoyed mentoring, and he leaves behind many fond memories and stories of working with young professionals in his field.  Edward was a long-time member of First Baptist Church.

Edward was an avid vintage toy collector and an enthusiastic long-time supporter of Drum Corps International and attended at least one contest every summer for the last 37 summers.  A lover of music of all kinds, he relished discovering new artists and supporting their work. Highlights of the many concerts he and his wife Phyllis attended include Arlo Guthrie at the original Alice’s Restaurant, Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden, and Leonard Cohen in concert in both Asheville and Louisville.  Edward believed in the dignity of every human being and never gave up on his dream of a fairer, more just and loving world.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, J. O. and Audrey Salisbury.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Phyllis, and son James Edward Casavant, both of Signal Mountain; daughter Mary Anderson Casavant and husband Scott Wilson of New York City; brothers Richard Casavant and wife Jane Jordan of Signal Mountain; Charles Casavant of Charlottesville, Virginia; Brett and wife Angela Casavant of Athens; and sister Carol Casavant and husband Robert Behal of Troy, Idaho; sisters-in law, Barbara Salisbury of Signal Mountain, and Camille Jungman and her husband Robert of Minneapolis; nephews John and David Casavant of  New York City; Chaiyim and Yada Casavant of Athens; Abner Casavant (Hannah) of Cleveland; and Robert Jungman (Jessemy) of Minneapolis; nieces, Havilah Johnson (Dave) and Elana Casavant of California; and two great nieces Eleni Casavant and Elizabeth Jungman.  In addition to his family members, he leaves behind many long-time loving and wonderful friends who have surrounded the entire family with their care and love during Edward’s last illness.  Precious friends, you were here for us.

The family also wishes to thank Dr. John McCravey and his staff for excellent and compassionate care.

Memorial contributions can be made to FACES: The National Craniofacial Association, P.O. Box 11082, Chattanooga, Tn. 37401.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, at First Baptist Church with Reverend Thomas Quisenberry officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, and 10-11 a.m. on Friday at the church

Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 745 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.