William (Bill) Shannon Castle
1920-2011

The Miller and historic car hobby has lost a dear friend and great man. Bill was a vital Miller and Durant historian, as well as an amazing restorer. He shared hundreds of photos, articles, and historical pieces of information with anyone in need or even just interested. He spent many hours in phone conversations, comparing technical details, historical notes, and photographs. His clear memory of details and interactions with many of the orignial Miller players, now gone, made him rare and valuable source of history. This video of Bill, made in July 2011, commenting on the history of his Miller Durant (Baby Chevrolet) is representative.

He was a wonderful mentor; always welcoming, with time to explain, discuss, and be fully present - a role model for all restorers and owners. Bill's  graciousness was also manifested within his whole family, who supported his Miller adventures and trips to the annual Miller Meet, including giving rides in the Miller around the Milwuakee Mile.

Bill began his Miller-Durant (Baby Chevrolet) recreation when he was 84, using a correct original Miller 183 straight-eight engine he'd owned for decades. Virtually by his own hand he fabricated all the pieces required. A wonderful article about this project was published in June 2011 by Automobile magazine.

Miller Meet participants looked forward each year to spending time with Bill in Milwaukee. He is deeply missed by all those who were fortunate to interact with him. 
 

Obituary
William Shannon Castle, 91, of Indianapolis, formerly of Speedway, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2011. He was born on June 24, 1920 in Omaha, Nebraska to Drew William and Mildred Viola (Strong) Castle. Bill grew up in Joliet, Illinois and it was there at Joliet Junior College that he met his future wife, Esther Ward. 

Bill graduated from Joliet Junior College in 1940 and attended the University of Illinois, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1942. After graduation he and his new bride moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he worked as a Test Stand Engineer for the Allison Division of General Motors Corp. Bill worked there until his retirement in 1981 as Assistant Chief Engineer. During the 65 years that Bill and Esther lived in the Speedway area, they became very involved in several clubs: Antique Automobile Club of America, Bentley Drivers Club, Classic Car Club of America, Harry A. Miller Club, The Horseless Carriage Club of America and the Veteran Motor Car Club of America, where Bill served as a Technical VP, Executive VP and National President in 1967. They are also longtime members of the Speedway United Methodist Church. Bill was known as a remarkable man to all who knew him, especially by his family. 

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Esther Ward Castle; son, Terry Shannon Castle and his wife, Karen Sue (Lawson) Castle; daughter, Betty Castle Poythress and her husband, Christopher Allan Poythress; granddaughter, Heather Castle Perdue and her husband, Neil Hunter Perdue; grandson, David Scott Poythress and his wife Nicole Marie (Fagan) Poythress; grandson, Brent Shannon Castle and his wife Kendra Leigh (Gibbs) Castle; and granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Poythress. 

Funeral services for Mr. Castle will be held at the Speedway United Methodist Church, 5065 West 16th Street, Speedway, Indiana, on Friday, December 9, 2011 at 1pm. Visitation will be held at Flanner and Buchanan -Speedway , 2950 North High School Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, on Thursday, December 8, 2011 from 4 until 8pm. Burial will take place at Washington Park North Cemetery.
 

Our condolances and deepest sympathy to the family.