Mickey Cassle

Mickey Howell Cassle passed away peacefully on December 14th, 2022, after a long and well lived life. She was born in Cisco, Texas on April 23, 1926, and lived her entire life as a West Texan. She graduated from Albany High School in 1943 and from Hardin-Simmons University in 1965. She married James Cassle on April 14, 1950, in Abilene where they spent all their married life. Mickey was an active volunteer in the community.  She was a charter member of Hendrick Hospital Auxiliary in 1958, served the United Way as Chairman of the Women’s Division in 1959, accepted leadership positions in Twentieth Century Study Club and Abilene Woman’s Club, and was a trustee at Hardin-Simmons University serving on various committees.  She received the HSU Round Table Virtue Award in 2019.  She worked with James at Cassle & Cassle, Inc. for three decades until 2002.

Mickey was a charter member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in 1954 and remained a devoted active member into her mid-90’s.  As members of First Baptist Church, James and she volunteered to help this new mission in its early days, and it was an important opportunity in her life. Days ran into years for them, with her teaching 2nd grade Sunday School for more than fifty years. She never sought recognition or praise as she was truly humble to the center of her being, but generations upon generations are better because they knew her.

Her quick smile, genuine spirit, grateful nature, and contagious enthusiasm marked virtually every encounter. She was a willing participant in most any game, activity, or competition.  She had an inquisitive mind and never lost her thirst for knowledge.  Her zest for life and ability to engage, encourage and inspire marked her relationships with friends and loved ones alike. She had a wonderful ability to make the conversation about you. You never left a visit or conversation without feeling her warmth and knowing she was most interested in you.

Mickey is survived by her son, James H. Cassle (Susie) and daughter, Molli Elliston (Gary); four grandchildren B.J. Cassle, Clark (Abbey) Elliston, Tyler (Ann) Elliston and Rachel Elliston; eight great grandchildren James and Claire Cassle and Caleb, Olivia, Eleanor, Hattie, Megan and Sam Elliston. Mickey is also survived by nephews and nieces.  She is preceded in death by her husband, James A. Cassle; her parents, Nettie Louise and Claude Howell; her sisters, Betty Mitchell, Barbara Bray and Claudia Charles; and her sisters-in-law, Juanita Bone and Doris Smith.

A memorial service celebrating Mickey’s life will be at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church on Monday, December 19th at 11:00 am. Private burial will be at Elmwood Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church; the James A. and Mickey Cassle Endowed Scholarship at Hardin-Simmons University; or to a charity of your choice.