On March 15, 2009 Hiram Cassel at the age of 74, came to the end of his earthly journey and moved on to eternity. He was a common but extraordinary man. David Pape and Ron Brown conducted the funeral services for him on March 18 at the University Christian Church to a packed house. It was planned to be a celebration of a great life and that was exactly the way it was handled. Hiram was noted for being an outstanding husband, father, teacher, counselor, guide, college professor, humorist and friend. No one met him who was not immediately affected by his smile and his dry wit. He even exercised his wit on unsuspecting strangers that came to visit the church. One couple who drove up in an expensive car entered the vestibule of the church. Hiram went up, shook hands, and told the couple, "We have a nice seat for you right down front next to the offering basket that awaits your generous gifts." When everyone laughed then the couple knew that Hiram was not serious.
When Arletta and I came to Manhattan Hiram immediately became the best friend anyone could ask for. He and Marcy made it a special point to welcome us to the community and to UCC where we attended when I was not preaching elsewhere. I will miss Hiram.
Hiram was noted for his generosity. An example of this was during the last few days of his life, one of his renters lost his job. Hiram instructed Marcy that when the renter came to pay his rent, she was give it back. Numerous illustrations of his generosity spoke volumes of the big heart this man had for everyone.
Hiram graduated from Midwest Christian College in Oklahoma City. The school is now gone, but Hiram's ministry as a result of the training he received there lives on in the lives of thousands.
Farewell Hiram. I'll plan to share a cup of coffee with you when I get to heaven.
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