David Paul Casey

The second of four siblings, David Paul Casey was born in San Francisco, California, to James and Frances Casey. His family moved to San Diego shortly thereafter, and Walt, David, Kathy, and Pat enjoyed being close to Disneyland, visiting “The Ranch” – his grandma’s house that had chickens and sheep – or cooling off during the summers at a country club that boasted four pools.

He mostly attended Catholic schools and went on to initially attend San Diego Community College, then graduated from San Diego State University. He earned his teaching degree from Point Loma Nazarene College and was in the Army Reserve during college.

One day, while at church, David found moments in which to crack jokes and drew the attention of a woman, Claudia Schoener. He introduced himself to her afterwards, and the fact that he reached out and was welcoming made a strong impression on her. Later, when she attended a birthday party that was held for David, she witnessed his chivalrous and tender care of his ailing mother.

David’s warm and compassionate manner stole Claudia’s heart – or Claush – as he (and only he) would endearingly refer to her, and on July 3, 1977, they were married. David was known to say of Claudia that he married her because she was “smarter than him.” He was quite effusive in praising her beauty, singing the song Pretty Woman to her, and when in the hospital later in life, bragging to all the nurses of his 48 years of marriage to her.

Shortly afterwards, they would move to Missouri and remain there for the rest of their lives.

David and Claudia shared a special love for the outdoors and peaceful adventuring, but there was always a curious and learned bent to their exploring. David was an avid lover of history, and every place he visited, every plaque, every story piqued his interest and drew him in.

Being curious, David would not only read and explore places, but he also connected with anybody and everybody. No one was a stranger to him – at least not for long – and he would comfortably chat with the librarian, a random person in the grocery store, and a stranger at the park. If they would listen, he would talk, and just maybe, they’d hang around long enough to be treated to one of his jokes. His jokes were plenteous, and would often send his daughters blushing to hide, but it in no way discouraged him from continuing to pursue the next ripe opportunity to share his humor.

Even though David was often searching for the perfect wisecrack, there were three things he took extra seriously in life – his faith, his marriage, and being a father to his five daughters.

His first daughter, Jessica, passed away shortly after her birth, followed by four other girls – Laura, Julia, Emily, and Molly.

David’s faith and lessons on forgiveness are some of the key things that his daughters deeply value. They treasured his wise counsel and being able to turn to him for a shoulder to lean on or his simple kiss to the forehead.

Although he was quite comfortable being himself around everyone – sometimes to the embarrassment of his daughters – they know their ability to easily make friends and converse with just about anyone was learned from him.

His girls fondly remember the stories he told – always with his own twist. The Three Little Pigs became four, Ugg the Caveman came to life, and evenings often included readings from The Chronicles of Narnia or The Hobbit. Storytelling was his gift, and it carried into their mornings as well. He woke them gently, giving voices to stuffed animals and spinning silly tales – rituals he kept alive even into their teen years.

A cup of coffee sums up the core memories the girls share with their Dad. He would delight in making a cup of coffee and, despite it being the bitter Maxwell blend, the love with which he offered it would make them drain that cup each time.

Traditions were important to the way David guided his family, helping his daughters establish their own identity and connections – ties that continued as they grew up and started their own families and lives.

They would return often to their favorite vacation spot, the Jacks Fork River, and reminisce over him scaring them by staying underwater longer than seemed possible, share their mandatory and much-loved smoked BBQ ribs, take long walks, and floating down the river in black inner tubes.

Holidays too were well loved, especially when family was able to all gather round. Stockings were his task to oversee, and while he changed certain things up each year, nuts and chocolates were something they could count on. David paid close attention to who preferred what type of nut or type of chocolate, and he’d give a little extra of that type to the respective daughter.

When one granddaughter, Katherine, and four grandsons – David, Drew, Stephen, and Daniel – were added to his family, he could not have been more delighted. He would share walks, historical knowledge, and his love of books with them, instilling in them respect for their mothers, who were his daughters first and foremost.

David’s early Boy Scout experience led him to have an extra love for flashlights, lanterns, and spare candles, of which their home was always well stocked. He also took great joy in supplying each of his grandsons with a carving knife when they were old enough. He knew a lot about weaponry, medieval times and other cultures, and would often share that knowledge with his grandchildren.

From gardening to the Civil War, cookbooks to historical fiction, education to faith, David found it all interesting and never stopped learning and exploring. He loved the beauty of state parks and the adventure of his Alaskan cruise, the simple pleasure of sipping Grand Marnier, the stories of Bernard Cornwell, and above all, the wisdom of his Bible. He drank deeply of this cup of life and enjoyed it to the fullest.

Jungle Dave – one of David’s favorite jokes and most amusing personas – spent his final moments at home, surrounded by family, looking out the window and breathing fresh air as his heart “poured out in love.” Hearing the words, “Come to me, my good and faithful servant,” he crossed peacefully into the Lord’s presence on Sunday, August 31, 2025, as if sailing across a golden sea to his other home.

Survivors include his wife, Claudia Casey; four daughters, Laura Miller (Karl) of Corpus Christi, TX, Julia Hahn of Brownwood, TX, Emily Starr (Joshua) of Kalispell, MT, and Molly Lowe of Columbia, MO; one sister, Kathleen Casey of San Diego, CA; and five grandchildren, Katherine, David, Andrew, Stephen, and Daniel. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Jessica Casey, and two brothers, Walter Casey and Brian Patrick Casey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Debo Funeral Home in Fulton, MO. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Fulton, MO.

Those wishing to honor his memory may send flowers or make a memorial donation to the Missouri State Parks Foundation, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St., Fulton, MO 65251.