Thelston "Dean" Casey

Thelston "Dean" Casey, 83, of rural Oswego, died in his home in his wife's arms, Thursday, September 20, 2012. His death was unexpected. He was born December 15, 1928, on a farm in rural Chetopa to T.A. and Dora (Stapleton) Casey. As a young boy, he attended Chetopa schools and was a 1946 graduate of Oswego High School. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict with the 85th Infantry Regiment 10th Division. Upon his honorable discharge, he received the Good Conduct medal while serving his country. He and Shirley O'Hara were married July 20, 1957, at Erie, Kansas. For a time, he worked at Gearhart Lumber in Oswego as an assistant manager. He then worked in the Labette County Road and Bridge Department until he and his brother, Gerald, opened Casey Brothers Building Materials in Oswego in 1971. In addition to the lumberyard, he and Gerald farmed together most of their adult lives. Dean retired in 1991. He loved his family, spending time with his grandson Dallas, hunting, and having long talks. He enjoyed watching western movies, sports, traveling, going to casinos, farming, being outdoors, and taking care of the cattle. He especially enjoyed being ornery and mischievous with his family and friends. He was a proud supporter of the Labette County Fair Association and also helped with Oswego Little League baseball and softball for numerous years. Survivors: Wife – Shirley Casey of the home Daughter – Judy Roberts and husband, Gary Oswego, KS Grandson – Dallas Casey and companion, Cira Dixon Oswego, KS Brother – Gerald Casey Chetopa, KS Sister – Melba Barlow Dewey, OK He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Mary Faye Inman Duggar; one son, Larry Dean Casey; one brother, Charles Casey; one sister, Anna May DeLoy; and two sons-in-law, David Duggar and Dallas Inman. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 22, 2012, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Burial will be in Oswego Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Labette County Fair Association. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thelston "Dean" Casey, please visit our flower store.