Denny Wayne Casey, 68, died on Thursday, Jan. 20 at home in Escalon after his battle with cancer.

He was born on July 23, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas and had been a resident of Escalon for 40 years.

He was very proud of his service as a Marine and his father’s army service in WWII. He was never afraid of hard work; he was an aircraft mechanic for many years and an independent contractor for the Modesto Bee, but his real love was farming on his ranch.

His favorite pastime was enjoying the camping in the mountains and a carefree day of fishing for trout. He loved watching his son and grandson wrestle and play football and his daughter play softball. He also enjoyed spending a lot of time with his many long-time friends. He was a good-hearted man and a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife Shirley, who he was married to for 48 years; children Dawn McCraw of Phoenix, AZ and Todd Casey of Escalon; grandchildren Christopher Casey of Escalon, Brandon McCraw and Kelsie McCraw of Phoenix; and his sister Marilyn Serna of Modesto.

Arrangements by Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon; visit the website at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Jan. 26, 2011