Michael L. Casto, lifelong resident of Cross Lanes, passed away after an intense 5 week long illness spent at Thomas Memorial Hospital where he died Wednesday evening, March 6, 2024. His wife of 53 years Donna, was by his side at the time of death.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; son, Adam Casto and wife Holly Garland-Casto of Bristol, TN; brother-in-laws, David Calhoun and wife Teresa Harris Calhoun of Raleigh, NC, Doug Calhoun and wife Lisa Richards Calhoun of St. Albans; sister-in-laws, Kelly Fleshman Shamblin and husband Mark of Sissonville, Karen Fleshman of North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was the son of Raymond K. and Phyllis J. (White) Casto of Tyler Mountain and Miami, Florida, both deceased. Mike had one brother, Steve, who also preceded him in death.

Mike was a lifelong heavy equipment operator and member of the Operating Engineers Union #132 and worked on many projects around Charleston, such as I 64 through Charleston, Laidley Field, several bridges the airport, locks and dam and many others. When young and first married he began his chosen career as a dump truck driver and small equipment operator for Donald Taylor, a lifelong friend on Tyler Mountain. He finished his career as a certified crane operator working for Hubert Jones Inc and then All Crane and Equipment Company. Mike was the first crane operator in the state to receive certification. He worked and set objects all over the city and state and many surrounding states, the most notable perhaps being the black marble plinth in front of the new Courthouse in Charleston naming it the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse. A great deal of his work was also in the mines, when mining equipment needed to be moved in order to be repaired and then replaced. The mine work was what he liked doing best.

His grandfather, Lester Casto, started the Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and Mike was active in it for many years, holding the position of Captain many times.

He loved old tractors and Gravelys, and had a natural "knack" for mechanics. A friend once said "that man can fix anything!" Mike's motto was always "well it's already broken so I can't make it any worse" and he would try until he usually found the solution.

He did most of the interior building of his own home, as well as his mother's and was always "piddling" as he called it, in his garage. His hobby was his home. Multiple workplace injuries finally stopped him from doing all these things that he loved and he missed it terribly.

Mike was a Christian, a lifelong member of Perrow Presbyterian Church, he first attended Perrow as a two year old with his mother. He was a member of Nitro Lodge #170, AF&AM, a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, Valley of Charleston, Orient of West Virginia and a member of Beni Kedem Shrine Temple.

A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with Pastor Jeff Nichols officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic Garden at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Friends may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 11, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net