Hoite Caston Obituary

November 7, 1941 - November 1, 2025

Hoite Cates Caston, 83, of Shawnee, Kansas, formerly of Independence, Kansas, and Hollywood, California, passed away in hospice on November 1, 2025, in Lenexa, Kansas, surrounded by his loving family. He faced a 22-year battle with prostate cancer linked to Agent Orange exposure from his service in Vietnam.

Hoite enjoyed an extraordinary career in the television and film industry that spanned seventy years. Beginning in his hometown of Independence, Kansas, and continuing through his time at the University of Kansas, Hoite's journey took him to Hollywood, California, where he established himself as a respected director, writer, editor and producer. Throughout his lifetime, Hoite's work extended to cities and towns across the United States, leaving a significant mark on the industry and inspiring countless others through his dedication and creative vision. Hoite was cherished by his family, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Hoite is survived by his wife, Patti McCormick of Lawrence, his daughter Aubree Ridley, his son-in-law Cole Ridley, and his grandchildren Hazel and Huck of Overland Park. He is also survived by his nephews, Mike Enders (Johnnie) of Lost Bridge Village, Arkansas, and Todd Enders (Demetri) of Wichita, along with great-nephews Jared (Jay) Enders, Todd Enders II, Dillon Enders, Noah Enders, and great-niece Jacklyn Maisch.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Lawrence Caston, his mother, Catherine Cates Caston, his sister, Etta Allen Enders (Jim), his grandparents Judge R.W. Cates and Edith Allen Cates, and his great-grandparents Edward Payson Allen and Mary Van Sant Allen of Independence, Kansas.

Hoite and his family extend their gratitude to all of his caregivers, nurses, doctors and specialists at KU Med and the VA for their dedicated support over the years.

Cremation has taken place. Under the direction of Webb Rodrick Funeral Home, services will be held Friday, November 14, with church services from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church with Pastor Amie Vanderford, 201 S. 5th Street, Independence, Kansas, and then a military honors burial immediately following at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will greet visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the parlor prior to the service at the church.

To nurture and inspire the next generation of artists, memorial contributions in honor of Hoite C. Caston may be made to:

Independence Children's Summer Theatre

P.O. Box 1413

Independence, KS 67301

Or checks may be dropped off at the Webb Rodrick Funeral Home.

Or Venmo a donation to @Lisaloo63 for Independence Children's Summer Theatre

His remarkable life and professional accomplishments are detailed at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory website - www.webbrodrickchapel.com/obituaries/hoite-caston

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.