Our Staff
J.W. Casto, III
Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer
J.W. Casto III, grew up in Evans, WV, and graduated from Ripley High School class of 1998. He has an associate degree from West Virginia University at Parkersburg and is a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science Class of 2002. J.W. is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and was blessed to be elected President of the West Virginia Funeral Directors and Crematory Operators Association serving two terms from 2020-2022 He is a member of the Cottageville Lodge #54 AF & AM and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #16 Cottageville, WV. He currently lives in Cottageville with his wife Jenna and children J. William, Sophia and Gracelyn. He and his family attend the Independent Fellowship Church, Ravenswood, WV. They enjoy sports, dance class, working on their farm and the outdoors.
Jonathan A. Sigman
Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, L.I.C.
Jonathan Sigman was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia and is the son of Frank Sigman and the late Cynthia Sigman. He is a 2011 graduate of South Charleston Christian Academy and graduated from West Virginia Junior College, Charleston with an associate degree in Business Administration. He came to Casto Funeral Home in 2015 and served his apprenticeship under J.W. Casto, III. Jonathan graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2016 and in 2017, passed both the National and State board exams. Soon after, he earned his license in Funeral Directing and Embalming in the state of West Virginia. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association. Jonathan and his wife Brooke (Smith) Sigman live in Ravenswood, WV and have two children. In his free time, he enjoys southern gospel music, fishing, vacationing at Holden Beach, and spending time with his family.
Michaelyn West
Licensed Funeral Director/ Embalmer
Michaelyn West was born and raised in Southside Parkersburg, WV and is the daughter of Shawn and Tara Mace Busch. Michaelyn was a 2014 Parkersburg South High School graduate. Michaelyn went on to attend Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science in 2018. She started in the funeral home industry when she was 16, working at Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg. Michaelyn is licensed in the states of West Virginia and Ohio. Michaelyn has recently gotten married to Winston West. Together they have a woodshop called “Colossus Woodworks.” Michaelyn is a member of Rotary Club, National Funeral Directors Association and the WV Funeral Directors Association. Michaelyn and Winston have just moved to the Spencer area upon starting at Casto Family Funeral Homes in August of 2020. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, her goldendoodle “Daisy”, crafting, painting and cooking. She is looking forward to becoming a part of such a wonderful community.
Ciji Casto
Secretary
Ciji Casto was born and raised in Mason, WV the daughter of Tim and Jacki Casto of Mason. She is a 2001 graduate of Wahama High School and the previous recorder for the Town of Mason. Prior to joining the funeral home in 2015 as the full-time secretary, she worked at Bobs Market Greenhouse in Mason and was a Pharmacy Technician at Fruth Pharmacy in Point Pleasant. She has two children, Zander and Rumor and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, photography, traveling, and drag racing.
Arnold Woodard
Funeral Attendant
Arnold Woodard was born and raised in Evans, WV. He is a 1961 graduate of Ripley High School and served in the United States Marine Corps. Arnold worked for Casto Funeral Home from 1962 until 1968. He retired from the United Steelworkers Union local # 14614, Saint Albans, WV and returned to the funeral home in 2014 to work as an attendant. He is member of the Mercerville Missionary Baptist Church. Arnold is a Past Master and 50 year plus member of the Cottageville Lodge # 54 AF & AM and a member of the Nemesis Temple Shrine. He has one daughter, Tonya and one granddaughter. In his free time, he enjoys staying busy, volunteering to work for the elderly, mowing lawns and doing home repairs.
David Hill
Funeral Attendant
David Hill was born and raised in Jackson County. He is a 1971 graduate of Ripley High School and retired from the Kroger Company with 45 years of service. He came to the funeral home to work as an attendant in January of 2017. He and his wife, Debbie currently reside in Evans and have three sons, Anthony, Michael and the late Christopher and four grandchildren. They are also members of the Ripley Tabernacle Baptist Church. In his free time, he enjoys attending gospel sings, auctions and gardening.
Doug Garten
Funeral Attendant
Doug Garten is a native of Mason County. He is 1973 graduate of Point Pleasant High School and retired from C O I Food Service. He started working at Casto Funeral home in 2016. Doug is currently the pastor of West Virginia Advent Christian Church in Point Pleasant and was ordained in 1987. Doug and his wife, Sharon currently reside in Leon, WV. They have two daughters, four grandsons and one granddaughter. In his free time, he enjoys farming and the outdoors.
Doug Eades
Funeral Attendant
Doug Eads is a native of Mason County. He is a 1972 graduate of London High School, London, OH and a graduate of Parkersburg Community College with an associate degree in nursing. He is a retired Registered Nurse from Pleasant Valley Hospital and Jackson General Hospital with over 40 years of service. Doug is a United States Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam Era. He came to Casto Funeral Home in 2019 to work as a funeral attendant. He and his wife, Susan live in Mason County and are members of the Creston Church. In his free time, he enjoys farming, and spending time with his family.
