Joseph E. Casey, Sr.

Joseph Edward Casey, Sr., son of Levi Casey & Stella Wanda (Dankowski) Casey, was born December 24, 1933 in Taylor Springs, Illinois. He departed this life Tuesday evening, October 26, 2004, at 10:30 PM at his home near Ozark, Illinois. At the time of his passing, Joe had attained the age of 70 years 10 months & 2 days. Joe was united in marriage to Carol Anne (Mosley) Casey on December 17, 1955 in Valparaiso, Indiana. She survives. Other survivors include ƒ?" a Son ƒ?" Joseph E. Casey, Jr. of DuQuoin, IL; 2 Daughters ƒ?" Kathryn A. Matheny of Ozark, IL and Antoinette L. Carlson of Tunnel Hill, IL; 7 Grandchildren ƒ?" Melissa Kay Hudson, Carol Anne Davie, Stephanie Jean Casey, Amanda Jo Casey, James Alan Carlson, Jr., Travis Edward Carlson, & Joseph Edward Casey III; 4 Great Grandchildren ƒ?" Erik Mathis, Savannah R. Mathis, Miranda R. Mathis, & Corbin G. McNeely; 2 Sisters ƒ?" Ramona Wilson & Gwendolyn Forrester, both of Keithsburg, IL; 3 Brothers ƒ?" Buddy Allen Casey, Ronald Casey & Terrance Casey, all of Oquawka, IL; an ƒ?oAdopted Grandsonƒ?? ƒ?" Timothy Paul Matheny; Several Nieces & Nephews. In addition to his Parents, Joe was preceded in death by: His Stepmother ƒ?" June (Meyer) Casey and a Brother ƒ?" Lawrence Casey. Joe was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving from 1951-1955. He served aboard the U.S.S. Achernar (AKA 53). He was a life member and Past Post-Commander of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 in Vienna, IL. Joe was employed for over 20 years as a professional firefighter for the city of Aurora, IL, retiring in 1977. He was a life member of the Retired Firefighters Association of Aurora. Joe and Carol then moved to Southern Illinois, where he was employed by the federal government as a Boiler Plant operator at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion, IL from 1978-March 1995. Joe was a member of the Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 AF&AM; Gethsemane Commandary # 041 Knights Templar in Metropolis, IL. He was also a member of the Metropolis Chapter # 101 R.A.M. (Royal Arch Masons) of Illinois and the Ainad Shrine A.A.O.N.M.S. in East St. Louis, IL. Joe loved spending time with his Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren. He was also an avid fisherman. Joe leaves his family & many friends to cherish his memory. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday afternoon, November 6, 2004, at 2 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Brother Gary Simmons & Brother Tex Perry will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon ƒ?" 2 PM Saturday, November 6, 2004 at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Masonic Rites, under the auspices of Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 AF & AM, will be accorded. A flag presentation ceremony will be conducted by Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper-Treat Memorial Cancer Fund, PO Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995 or to the Hospice of Southern Illinois (Blue Team), 1110 N. Johnson Street, Marion, IL 62959.

Joseph E. Casey, Sr.

December 24, 1933 - October 26, 2004