Paul Allen Casey

At 11:07 A.M. on Saturday September 30, 2017 Muscular Dystrophy claimed the most amazing husband, father, and friend.  Paul Allen Casey succumbed to his life long battle peacefully and with dignity surrounded by his wife Kathy and children Marcus, Adam and daughter-in-law Christie. 

Paul was born in Richland on April 18, 1952 to Ann and Emery Casey.  He spent a blissful childhood with his older sister Nancy and his faithful cocker spaniel Boots.  He spent most of his summer days at the river with his best friend Jim Schirado, Boots and his trusty BB gun.  When he was a pre-teen he took on a paper route to earn spending money and rode his bike all over the Benham Street neighborhood in Richland.  His customers remembered him fondly for several years.  In high school he went to work at the Albertson’s store on Lee Boulevard with the DECA program.  He graduated from Columbia High School (Richland High) in 1970.  He continued to work at Albertson’s while he attended Columbia Basin College.  In 1972 he transferred to Washington State University where, in 1975, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business.

Upon returning home he immediately went to work for Bechtel in the Time Office at the Fast Flux Test Facility.  In 1978 Paul transferred to New Jersey with Bechtel for a short period of time.  The east coast was not to his liking.  His parents flew back to New Jersey and the three of them drove back cross country to Richland.  The journey bonded them forever.

Paul went back to work as a timekeeper and later computer operator with WBG at Hanford 2.  In 1983 he went to work with UNC in Safeguards and Security.  In 1987 he went to work for Westinghouse Hanford Co. also in Safeguards and Security. He later transferred to Duke at the 100K Area as Plant Security and later to Fluor Hanford where he worked in Corrective Active Management.  He retired from Fluor in September 2008.

When he returned from New Jersey he resurrected his relationship with Kathy and they were married on June 20, 1981 at Christ The King Catholic Church.  They were blessed with their first child, Adam Christopher, prematurely on June 17, 1982.  He was four months early and weighed 1-1/2 pounds.  His miracle survival was never doubted by his faithful father though there were many stressful moments.  Adam came home from hospital in September and Paul was laid off in Oct.  He stayed home with his little man for the next year while Kathy remained working for Rockwell.  Paul often said those were the best 51 weeks of his life.  Adam thrived under his care. On June 13, 1985 they were blessed with their next son Marcus Allen. 

Paul always loved the earth and was fascinated by farming and livestock.  Their first home together was an acre of land on Red Mountain Road where they built a modest home for their little family.  They planted a huge garden and raised beef, pigs, chickens and children.  In 1992 they moved the family into town so the boys could participate in cub scouts and after school activities.  In 2006 Paul started showing signs of his MD.  It was becoming difficult for him to climb the staircase so they moved to their current home at Horn Rapids.  After his retirement his MD ravished him swiftly. He went into a wheelchair in 2010 and never walked again.

Paul is preceded in death by both parents, his beloved sister Nancy as well as his precious corgi Daisy.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years Kathleen, his sons Adam (Christie), and Marcus; his brother-in-laws Allen (Ellen), Gary (Ida); his Father-in-Law Dean; his nephews Brian (Katie), Michael (Kelsey), niece Karen (Joe) as well as many cousins and a wealth of friends.  The family wants to send a special thank you to all the young caregivers that took care of him over the years, especially Nick Myles, Josh Williams, John McAlerney and Travis Brown. Also Home Instead Senior Care and the Palliative Care staff at the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.  Your support will forever be appreciated. 

Funeral services will be held at the Event Center at Sunset Gardens on Sunday October 8, 2017 at 1:00 PM.  Interment will follow at the gravesite with a celebration of life at the Event Center afterward.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Paul’s name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 101 W. Indiana, Spokane, Wa. 99205-4828.  www.mda.org.

email: spokaneservices@mdausa.org.