Jane (Janie) Cassell, 92, a local professional journalist and community servant died October 27, 2021 at Hamilton Trace Senior Living. Born August 29, 1929 and a life-long resident of Lebanon, she was the daughter of the late Russell D. (Mutt) and Karine Lewis Chambers.
She met her husband, the late Robert E. (Bob) Cassell, in May 1950 and they were married November 12, 1950. It was a loving, caring union for 60 years. Jane and Bob enjoyed traveling, having been in all states, all Canadian provinces, the Northwest Territory, Canary Islands, and Northern Africa. The couple also loved fishing for many years in Canada and Michigan. They were ardent Purdue basketball and football fans and held Lebanon High School basketball season tickets for over 50 years.
Jane was a dedicated member of Centenary United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities most recently on the Outreach Team Committee. A graduate of Lebanon High School, she attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee where she was a member of the newspaper and yearbook staff. She began her long journalistic career in 1951 as the Women’s Editor of the Lebanon Reporter and retired in 1991 as City/Farm Editor. Over the years she also wrote and edited a column, Live Wire, researching and answering a gamut of questions from readers. She reported on a diversity of news stories including 1965 Palm Sunday tornado, homicides, drug raids, and garnered an outstanding rapport with state Police and the Sherriff’s Department.
An active member, since 1947, of Tri Kappa Sorority, she served in many offices, including 3 years as President of the local Alpha Beta Chapter and was historian for many years. In 1963, she was the sorority’s State Publicity Chairman. Jane also served 10 years as the treasurer of ARC of Boone County and member of the ARC Board of Directors. Jane’s other varied community involvement included former president of the Boone County Symphony Unity, member of Legion Auxillary, and volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She authored two historical books: the centennial book on the history of Lebanon Elks Lodge 635 and “Lebanon: A Pictorial History;” and co-authored the 75th Anniversary book on Ulen Country Club. Jane’s journalistic and civic involvement garnered her numerous awards including Boone County Honorary Sherriff, United Way Award for outstanding Community Service, Distinguished Citizen for Meritorious Service Grand Lodge Order of Elk, VIP citizen Western Boone FFA, Volunteer of the Year ARC, and Older Citizen Award Hoosier State Associated Press.
Jane is survived by her daughter Janalee and son-in-law Jack Taylor; grandchildren J.R. (Meredith) Taylor, Jennifer (Patrick) Taylor-Bambrick all of Cincinnati Ohio; 3 great grandchildren, and several nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her brother Robert L. (Marilyn) Chambers.
Family and friends will gather Tuesday, Nov. 2, for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Jane will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon. Memorial contributions may be made to Local TriKappa Sorority or the Centenary United Methodist Church.
You are invited to visit the website where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message at www.strawmyerdrury.com.
