H.M. (Mike) Caskey

H.M. (Mike) Caskey passed away peacefully January 1, 2016 at the age of 99. Mike was born Hubert Myrl Caskey in Des Arc, Arkansas on November 18, 1916, the second of five children of William Joseph and Bess Rex Caskey. He grew up in Des Arc where his family owned the hardware store and funeral home. His father was also county judge. Mike graduated from high school and Arkansas Tech University. He then went to work for Belknap Hardware and Manufacturing as a traveling salesman.

The day after Pearl Harbor, Mike who was already in the National Guard, signed up for officer candidate school where he became an artillery officer. He had extensive battle experience in WWII with the 552nd artillery battalion. His ship shelled the Germans at the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and then landed on Omaha beach. He also saw heavy action in the Battle of the Bulge and at the Remagan Bridge. After the war Mike was in the occupation force in Austria. He returned home on December 25, 1945, and shortly after Mike went back to work for Belknap and was transferred to Longview, Texas, where he met Mildred Adams, and they were married August 18, 1946. Shortly after Mike and Mildred moved to Austin and had two sons, Steve and Stan. They bought a home in a new neighborhood Tarrytown, which the family still owns today. They also found a church home at University Presbyterian Church, where Mike had several stints as both Elder and Deacon; he was a member for nearly seventy years. Mike and Mildred met many of their lifelong friends through the Church.

Mike bought into Austin Lacquer Company in 1958 and operated it with his sons until its sale and his retirement in 1996. After retirement, Mike and Mildred traveled extensively, with trips to Europe with his old army battalion being a highlight. They also spent many wonderful times entertaining family and friends at their condo on South Padre Island. They were members of the Austin Club and Mike was a very active member in the University Kiwanis Club.

Mike was a consummate gentleman who almost never raised his voice and his integrity as a businessman was beyond reproach. Mike was an accomplished woodworker who built many useful things that are still being used by friends and family today. His greatest loves were his Lord, his family, and his friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Bill, Joe, Bess, and Carolyn, and his wife, Mildred (pictured above). He is survived by sons Steve and Kathy Caskey and Stan and Laura Caskey. Daddy Mike is also survived by grandsons Adams and wife Kendall Caskey, Campbell and wife Meghan Caskey and granddaughter Katie Caskey. A cherished memory will be Mike singing Christmas carols in full voice with Katie the last two Christmases.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff and Westminster Manor, New Century Hospice and his caregiver Paul Estrada. The family requests that any memorials to Mike's life be made to University Presbyterian Church, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the charity of your choice.

A visitation will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday January 4th. A private burial will be held at Austin Memorial Park on Tuesday January 5th.