OSWEGO — Thelston “Dean” Casey, 83, of rural Oswego died in his home in his wife’s arms on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. His death was unexpected.

He was born on Dec. 15, 1928, on a farm in rural Chetopa to T.A. and Dora (Stapleton) Casey. As a young boy, he attended Chetopa schools and was a 1946 graduate of Oswego High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War with the 85th Infantry Regiment 10th Division. Upon his honorable discharge, he received the Good Conduct medal. 

He married Shirley O’Hara on July 20, 1957, at Erie. She survives of the home.

For a time, he worked at Gearhart Lumber in Oswego as an assistant manager. He then worked in the Labette County Road and Bridge Department until he and his brother, Gerald, opened Casey Brothers Building Materials in Oswego in 1971. In addition to the lumberyard, he and Gerald farmed together most of their adult lives. Dean retired in 1991.

He loved his family, spending time with his grandson Dallas, hunting and having long talks. He enjoyed watching western movies, sports, traveling, going to casinos, farming, being outdoors and taking care of cattle. He especially enjoyed being ornery and mischievous with his family and friends. He was a proud supporter of the Labette County Fair Association and also helped with Oswego Little League baseball and softball for numerous years.

Other survivors include his daughter, Judy Roberts and her husband, Gary, of Oswego; a grandson, Dallas Casey and his companion, Cira Dixon, of Oswego; a brother, Gerald Casey of Chetopa; and a sister, Melba Barlow of Dewey, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Mary Faye Inman Duggar; a son, Larry Dean Casey; a brother, Charles Casey; a sister, Anna May DeLoy; and two sons-in-law, David Duggar and Dallas Inman.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Burial will be in Oswego Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Labette County Fair Association and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.