"Gene" Casey, age 67 of Deer, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Hospice of the Hills Hospice House in Harrison, Arkansas.

He was born December 30, 1943 to parents, Lawrence and Effie (Martin) Casey. He was born and raised on Smith Mountain in Newton County, Arkansas and resided there until his death.

He loved to coon hunt and made about 25 trips to Colorado elk hunting with family and friends. He had worked as an electrician for 16 years at Dogpatch, USA and worked 10 years as Executive Director for Arkansas Rural Water Association.

He was passionate about serving God and attended Pine Grove Church faithfully. He served as deacon for about 17 years.

He loved to sing and play gospel music and left his children with a strong work ethic and encouraged them that they could accomplish all things, saying to them, that can't, never could do nothing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Vearl Daniels.

He is survived by his wife, his high school sweetheart, of 49 years, Phyllis (Daniels) Casey, who lovingly and diligently cared for him. Other survivors are his five sons and daughters-in-law, Wallace and Barbara Casey of Harrison, David and Karen Casey of Deer, Ryan and Rachel Casey of Smith Mountain, Joey and Jessica Casey of Harrison and Anthony and Jennifer Casey of Smith Mountain;
one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Robert Dodson of Smith Mountain; two sisters, Peggy Breedlove and Patty Cranford and husband, Troy of Harrison; a brother, Bill Casey and wife, Sharon of Harrison; fourteen grandchildren, Caleb Dodson and wife, Kendra; Eli, Benjamin, Lemuel and Luke Dodson; Calvice, Sam and Isaiah Casey; Ila, Mason, Leah, and Marcus Casey; Opal and Andrew Casey and one great-grandson, Layne Dodson. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Marie Daniels of Wayton; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Daniels of Harrison and Diana Spradley and husband, Jerry of Oklahoma; one brother-in-law, Erby Daniels and wife Cathy of Wayton and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services was Friday, November 18, 2011 at Coffman Funeral Home Chapel in Jasper with Bro. James Compton and Bro. David Faught officiating.
Burial followed in Crossroads Cemetery at Deer.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Coffman Funeral Home in Jasper.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pine Grove Church Fellowship Hall Building Fund, HCR 31, Box 134, Jasper, AR 72641.