Patrick J. Cashen

Pat was born in Decatur, Illinois, the eldest child of Helen (Jones) and Joseph Cashen, and had a happy childhood with his younger siblings Ann (Cashen) Elliott and Philip Cashen, both of Indianapolis. Pat, an Eagle Scout, loved sports and excelled at track and field at Decatur’s St. Theresa High School.

He met Jane while studying at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he earned his pharmacy degree in 1967. Jane and Pat were married at Christ the King Catholic Church on August 19, 1967.

His experience at Butler shaped his professional life as he worked to mentor and support students, employing scores of aspiring pharmacy students to learn the tools of the trade serving the Columbus community at Doctor’s Park Pharmacy. As Butler inspires all who study there, Pat was a die-hard and passionate Bulldog fan.

Pat’s standard of hard work, dedication, and customer care were foremost in his legacy to the community. They were his driving motivation through his career as an independent pharmacist. Pat touched the lives of customers and patients throughout Southern Indiana, particularly those cared for in the region’s long-term care facilities.

His entire working career, Pat tirelessly served the community with his family-owned pharmacy and was honored to serve as President of the Indiana Pharmacist Association and was recognized by that organization with recognitions including Joseph E. McSoley Community Pharmacist of the Year (2003), Bowl of Hygeia Award (2013), and the Donald L. Moore Independent Pharmacist of the Year (2015). The state association bestowed the Outstanding Community Service Award for his work to support the Columbus community in the aftermath of the flood in June 2008. He also served on the Advisory Board at Butler University’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences.

Pat and Jane have been active members of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church for 50 years. Through the St. Bartholomew Friends of Haiti organization, Pat participated in two medical missions to provide emergency pharmacy services in support of dental and medical care in Limonade, Haiti, a town similar in size to Columbus. He was profoundly impacted by the spirit of the Haitian people he met on those missions.

Pat loved all sports and especially loved ‘a good walk spoiled’ with friends and family. He logged countless hours swinging a golf club, laughing and probably cursing a bit with his foursome partners. He particularly cherished his annual trips to the Masters, a tradition he loved sharing with his brother and friends, and family over the years.

Pat is survived by Jane (McGavern), his wife of 54 years, his children Jennifer Cashen of Chevy Chase, Maryland, Jill Cashen (Keith Ashdown) of Washington, D.C., and Joseph Cashen of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; grandchildren Audrey and Eleanor Ashdown of Washington, D.C., Jack and Eileen Cashen of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Pat will be dearly missed by his family and friends. A Mass of Resurrection in celebration of his life will be held at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 1306 27th Street, Columbus, IN 47201, on Thursday, November 11 at 12:00 pm. Calling will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the narthex of St. Bartholomew. A live stream can be found at https://saintbartholomew.org/

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to St. Bartholomew’s Friends of Haiti organization through the church’s website (https://saintbartholomew.org/).