The Rev. Dr. Herbert William Cassel of Franklin, IN died on January 11, 2025 at the Otterbein Franklin Senior Life Community where he resided. He was born on July 13, 1931 in Cressona, PA to the Rev. William and Mabel (Heimbach) Cassel.

Dr. Cassel graduated from Sunbury High School in Sunbury, PA. He earned his BA degree from Huntington University in Huntington, IN and his Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He also earned a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and his PhD from Temple University. He did additional studies at the University of Michigan and at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

Dr. Cassel taught at the University of Indianapolis in the Philosophy and Religion Department.  While at UINDY, he chaired the department for many years.  When he retired in 1996, he was awarded Emeritus status and was later made an Honorary Alumni of the University.

He was an Elder and Full Member of the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.  After retirement, he directed a License to Preach School for the Board of Ordained Ministry and directed the Course of Study School for part time pastors.

Before coming to Indianapolis in 1966, Dr. Cassel served pastorates in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  In his years at the University, Dr. Cassel mentored many students who became pastors in the United Methodist Church as well as other denominations.

Herb was a lifelong learner and loved reading, crossword puzzles and the Indianapolis Colts.  He served on several committees in the Otterbein Franklin Community and at his local church, Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin.  He was also an avid swimmer, accumulating thousands of miles over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Jo (Kivett) Cassel of Franklin, IN and a sister, Bertha Cassel of Lancaster, PA, two sons, Eric Cassel of Arlington, VA and the Rev. Scott Cassel (Lilly) of Evansville, IN, grandchildren, Luke Cassel (Gabbie) and Sophia Cassel and great-grandson, Roman Scott Cassel.  Also surviving is his former wife Elva Jean Cassel who is the mother of his children and his nephew David Cassel and sister-in-law Sharon Cassel.

He was preceeded in death by his sisters, Ruth Cassel, Mary Cassel and Esther Cassel and two brothers, David Cassel and James Cassel.

Visitation will be held at Wright Memorial Chapel at The Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Community, 1070 W Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN from 2PM until 4PM Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Rev. Dr. Jenothy Irvine and Rev. Dr. Andy Kinsey will conduct a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11AM at Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 East Adams Street in Franklin, IN.  The family will receive friends from 10AM Saturday, January 25, 2025 until service time at the church.

Ennichement will take place at the Grace United Methodist Church Columbarium in Franklin, IN.

Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling arrangements.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Herbert W. Cassel Scholarship at the University of Indianapolis, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46227 or at www.uindy.edu or the Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Community, 1070 West Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN 46131 or to Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 East Adams Street, Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.franklingrace.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmorturay.com.  Information 317-738-0202.