John T. Casey

John T. Casey, 71, passed away September 26, 2016, at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2016, at McLaren’s Chapel with burial at a later date at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 noon Friday, until service time at the funeral home.

John was born in Des Moines on October 8, 1944 to Milburn Kendall Hemme and Mary Edna McMemany Hemme. After WWII, Married Otho Bery Casey, who adopted John, his two sisters, and brother.

Growing up John had several jobs, one was a newspaper route in which he “hung out” with the guys at the “paper shack” sharing stories. John collected payments from the sorority houses at Drake which gave him stories to share at the shack of “eye popping” visions when the girls would answer the door. After a short career working as a camera man for WHO-13 in Des Moines, John started at Firestone Tire and Rubber and worked there for 40 years and 7 months at a variety of positions from janitor, oiler, maintenance, and supply tech. There were many stories of practical jokes, tragedies, strikes, and good men. John retired on April 1, 2005. He thought it was a great April Fool’s Day joke. John also a board member at the Affinity Credit Union for many years. He enjoyed attending the Iowa State Fair, his 1934 Ford, tending his yard.

John was athletic and active throughout his life. While at North High he ran track and his team ran at the Drake Relays. He was proud to be on the same team as Clyde Duncan. John’s mentor was his football coach, Dr. Ray Pugh. He was recognized as being instrumental in guiding John, and believing in him. John did regret not attending the tryouts to be an NFL punter.

Family was always important to John. As a child, his parents and siblings would picnic for entire days at Riverside Park. His favorite place was the front seat of the roller coaster. When John had children of his own, he would take them on road trips to Disneyworld, the U.S. Capital, South Dakota, Tombstone, Deadwood, and his Uncle Nick and Aunt Bernette’s Humeston farm. John loved his sons deeply and was so proud of them in their careers and were glad they were in happy homes. He would play and joke with the grandsons and anytime he could be outside in the yard with family or neighbors, he was happy. Give the man a rake and a fire, and he was good for hours.

John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Rhonda; three sons, Jeff (Tracy), Todd (Tonya), and Mark (Teri); six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Murphy and Rose Ann (Ray) Moore; one brother, Beryl (Cathy); and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Wendall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.