John Casey

John T. Casey, 69, of Cape Girardeau left this earth Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 15, 1945, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to Harry V. and Grace G. Nowak Casey. He and SanDee Speck enjoyed more than 40 years of marriage that began June 27, 1964, in North Platte, Nebraska. She preceded him in death June 9, 2005.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He chose a career as a pipe fitter with Local 562 of St. Louis, where he excelled 40 years. He worked as a general foreman, taught apprenticeship more than 25 years and attended a UA convention as a delegate for Local 562.

He was a member of St. Mary Cathedral, Knights of Columbus Council 1111 and Elks Lodge 639.

John gave generously of his time working as an assistant scout master with Boy Scout Troop 16. He earned the Order of the Arrow, trekked at Philmont Scout Ranch, participated in Woodbadge and served on staff at several National Scout Jamborees.

Ever the avid outdoorsman, John fished from Northern Saskatchewan to the Gulf of Mexico. He relished the fall black-powder hunts at Peck Ranch. He honed his skills in central Nebraska as a youth shooting quail.

Survivors include a daughter, Pam (Mark) Kiser of Bonne Terre, Missouri; a son, Jeffery D. (Jennifer) Casey of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Mary Giedinghagen of St. Louis and Rose (Ron) Bauer of Pensacola, Florida; eight grandchildren, Chelsea Kiser, Brenna Kiser, Lynsea Casey, Aaron Kiser, Zack Casey, Sydney Casey, Connor Casey and Matthew Laudie.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Rita Schmidt.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., followed by Knights of Columbus rosary and an Elks service.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Cathedral, with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery.

John will be escorted Monday by men representing the three most cherished parts of his life: family, Mass Communications Spc. 3rd Class Aaron Kiser and Senior Airman Zack Casey; pipe fitters, JJ Lane and Mike Swader; and scouting, Tom Higgins and Tony Smee.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.