Eugene Frank Casey

Eugene Frank Casey went to be with the Lord on November 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born in Chicago on June 26, 1936 to John and Anna Casey. Being devout Catholics, Gene attended Catholic schools throughout childhood and continued his faith until his passing. Gene was a veteran of the Korean War, joining the US Army in 1953 at the age of 17. He held the rank of Army Airborne Rigger in the 7th, 2nd and 24th Infantry Divisions. Arriving back to the United States for leave, along with other GI's, Gene was in a horrific plane crash and was the most severely injured passenger that survived. The date of this plane crash was November 17, 1955 - exactly 68 years prior to his passing. After months at the Brooke Army Medical Center, healing from burns and broken bones, Gene served as a cook in Fort Riley, Kansas and was discharged from the Army in October of 1956. Gene returned to Chicago and joined the police department, where he spent many rewarding years. In 1977, tired of the cold and snow, he relocated his family to Lakeland, FL and became a successful entrepreneur. Gene enjoyed playing golf and racquetball, but his greatest sports love was tennis. Not one to stay idle, Gene spent time working for the FDOT, Henkelman Construction and Community Southern Bank after selling his last business - the Touch of Class Dry Cleaners. Gene and his wife, Sharon, enjoyed spending time together on surprise weekend getaways and being with friends and family. During the COVID pandemic, they enjoyed playing cards, Scrabble, building puzzles and just being together. In addition to his parents, Gene is preceded in death by 16 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 33 years, Sharon Casey, children Kenneth Casey (Jeannie), Keith Casey (Sharon), Michael Casey (Deneen), Suzanne Casey and Mike Monts De Oca (Amanda), seven grandchildren, one great grandson and brother Michael Casey (Denise). A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church (118 W Lemon St., Lakeland, FL 33815). Visitation will be held at 10:00 am with mass following at 11:00 am.