William "Bill" McCaslin was born in the Ozark Hills of Missouri, at the age of 17 he sold his hunting dog and his 410 shotgun for $10.00 and hopped on a freight train headed for California. He jumped off the train in Edison, got a job topping onions with his pocket knife. He later found housing in a labor camp and met his future wife, Geneva Wood; they married in 1936. Bill worked for various ranches in the Buttonwillow area and at the age of 30, he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, and his life changed for the better. In 1950, Bill left Buttonwillow and moved to Minter Field. He started "Bill McCaslin Trucking" in 1952, and in 1957, he started "Bill McCaslin Harvesting", one of the largest in the state and is still operating today. He was known as one of the greatest soul winners for Christ, and witnessed to the rich and poor alike. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva; son, Donnie; his parents; and two brothers, Charlie and Lewis. He is survived by his loving family, sons, Billy McCaslin and wife, Juanita, Jack McCaslin and wife, Janet, David McCaslin and wife, Cathy; daughters, Barbara Hedge and husband, James.; 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. "Not bad for a kid from the Ozark Hills". The family wants to give a very special THANK YOU to his granddaughter, Rhonda and husband, Rodney Harmon, and her children Willie and Terry for giving loving care to Bill, and making sure he had everything he needed or wanted right up until he passed from this life to join his heavenly Father. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your way acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. A funeral service under the direction of Peters Funeral Home will be held at Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church, 400 Kern St. Shafter, on Friday, January 19, 2007, at 1PM, for William "Bill" McCaslin, age 89, of Bakersfield, who passed away January 16, 2006, in Bakersfield. Pastor Violet Curlee of Trinity Life Chapel will officiate the service along with Bill's grandson, Garry McCaslin, and interment will follow at Shafter Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at Peters Funeral Home, 844 E. Lerdo Hwy. Shafter on Thursday, January 18, 2007, from 2 to 8pm. Please sign Bill's guest book at www.clarmar.com.