Walter O. Casey, 84
Walter O. Casey, 84, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, at The Four Seasons in Coeur d'Alene. Walt was born in Meridian on Jan. 26, 1927, to Orville and Isabelle (Cecil) Casey.
He graduated from Meridian High School in 1944. He married his high school sweetheart, Millie Norton on Feb. 16,1945. He enlisted in the United States Army on April 1, 1945, and was stationed in the Philippine Islands until his honorable discharge on Dec. 4, 1946.
Walt began working at Meadow Gold Dairy in Boise before entering the logging business with Fuller Logging. Walt and Millie had three children; Steve, Greg and Carlee. After spending several years in Boise, Walt moved his family to Fairfield, then to Emmett, to continue working in the logging business. In 1959 Walt relocated to Boise to begin working for Southern Idaho Equipment Company. Eventually, Walt became involved in the heavy truck sales industry working for Peterbilt and Kenworth Trucks before purchasing a Mack Truck Franchise and opening his own shop. Gem State Mack. In 1980 health issues forced his retirement.
Walt and Millie were divorced in 1978 and Millie preceded Walt in death in 1995. Walt married Nancy Duke on April 23, 1982. They purchased a home in Meridian on the Cherry Lane Golf Course. They enjoyed traveling in their motor home with the Telephone Pioneers of America and crossed the United States twice. During his retirement Walt discovered his artistic side and began painting and carving. He won many awards for his work and enjoyed sharing his creations with others.
Walt and Nancy lived in their Cherry Lane home until 2007 when health issues forced them into assisted living. Walt was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Lucille.
He is survived by a sister, Marie of Boise; his sons, Steve (Linda) of Hayden and Greg (Julia) of Alexandria, Va.; his daughter, Carlee and her partner Janina of Seattle; step-daughter Leslie (Steve) Eyton of Caldwell; step-son Mark Atkins of Hawaii; grandkids Jeff, Tara, Gregory Jr., Steve (Stacy) and Jack (Rosa); and great-grandchildren Braden, Reese and Trinity.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, at the Alden-Waggoner Chapel in Boise. The service will be followed by internment at Joplin Cemetery in Boise and a reception at the Greg Casey residence in Star (maps will be provided at the service). Viewing is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at the Alden Waggoner Chapel. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is in charge of local arrangements. Please visit Walter's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Hospice of North Idaho and the staff at The Four Seasons in Coeur d'Alene for their wonderful care during the last months of Walt's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.