Lyle Stuart Casper (78) of Effingham

It is with heavy hearts we announce Lyle Stuart Casper, 78, of Effingham, IL passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at home with his wife of nearly 45 years by his side.

The youngest of three children, Lyle was born on August 27, 1946 in Fulton County, Indiana to the late Jacob E. and Wilma I. (Bryant) Casper. After graduating from Caston High School in 1964, he went on to earn both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from Indiana State University. Thus began a lifelong calling as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend—roles in which he influenced thousands of students across multiple schools, districts, and states. Lyle married fellow teacher Denise Nagy on June 7, 1980 in Terre Haute, Indiana. They moved from Indiana to Illinois shortly after their marriage, eventually settling in Effingham, where they raised their two children, Kristin and Eric. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures— Christmas mornings, old westerns, musicals, American history, woodworking, and making excuses for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ front office. With a sharp wit and a loyal heart, he was as beloved for his wisdom as he was for his well-timed sarcasm. While most people knew Lyle as “Mr. Casper,” a role he admittedly fell into seamlessly, it was in fulfilling his position as Emery and Shiloh’s grandfather that he found true joy. A devoted family man and teacher, Lyle’s legacy is in the entire generation of both students and family members who he inspired and will carry lessons from Lyle with them for their entire lives.

The loving memory of Lyle Stuart Casper will be forever cherished by his wife, Denise, Effingham; son, Eric (Jena) Casper, Brentwood, Missouri; daughters, Kristin Casper, Indianapolis, Indiana, Shannon (Mike) Barnaby, Savannah, Georgia and Rebecca (Tim) Evans, Springfield, Missouri; sister, Linda (Tom) Demorest, Boise, Idaho, sister-in-law, Sharon Casper, North Manchester, Indiana; nine grandchildren, 3 great-granddaughters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Larry and grandson, Ethan.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.