Part of Tri-State road renamed for patrolman struck and killed at unmarked train crossing

SPRINGDALE, Ohio (WKRC) — A section of East Kemper Road was dedicated Monday in memory of an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer killed in a train collision 73 years ago.

The stretch between Tri-County Parkway and Lebanon Road is now known as the Patrolman Earl W. Casterline Memorial Highway. The designation became part of Ohio law in September and honors Casterline on the anniversary of his death.

Casterline, a U.S. Navy veteran, joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol after graduating from its 35th academy class in 1952. He was 25 when his cruiser was struck by a train on Oct. 19, 1953, while he was pursuing a fleeing vehicle on Kemper Road. The railroad crossing was unmarked and obscured by trees and shrubs.

He left behind his wife and a 2-month-old daughter, Lynne Casterline Harris.

Harris said her mother died three years ago and would have been overwhelmed by the recognition.

“The one thing we all regret is that my mom passed away three years ago,” Harris said. “That’s why I brought her picture, because she would have just been floored to see this honor given.”

“For people to still remember and honor his service is just overwhelming to me,” she said. “So I just thank the state of Ohio.”