NORMAN — Glenn Calvin Casey, 89, known to his many friends and acquaintances as “Casey,” died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at Oklahoma Veterans Center in Norman.
Services will be at the First Baptist Church in Laverne. Arrangements are by Schilling Funeral Services in Laverne.
Glenn was born Nov. 14, 1923, to Arthur and Grace (Provost) Casey of Rosston.
He graduated high school in Rosston where, before his enlistment in the military, he met his future love and lifelong partner, Stella Eades.
During World War II, he was stationed at Camp Fannin, Texas. He and Stella would write many letters during that period of separation. They were married Sept. 2, 1944, shortly after his discharge, and enjoyed 66 years of marriage before Stella’s passing in February 2011.
Glenn and Stella made their first home together in Wichita, Kan., where Glenn was employed for a time by the Boeing Corp. The couple later moved to Alva. There, in 1948, before the days when smalltown movie theaters sold snacks and concessions in the lobby, Glenn and Stella opened their first business together — a popcorn shop and candy store near the theater.
When his brother-in-law, who was a partner in the business, decided to re-enlist in the military, Glenn and Stella moved to Laverne to build the Casey’s Tastee Freeze, a small dining establishment with a drive-through that specialized in hamburgers and frozen desserts. It was a popular place in town for a great burger and a place to hang out. In the ’50s he often would keep the retaurant open till midnight.
Glenn cooked the hamburgers and Stella kept the books. Over the years, they employed friends, family, and many members of the Laverne community, several of whom were school-age kids from around town. The couple operated the business this way from 1953 until August 1984, when they retired.
Glenn is remembered fondly by former employees and he remained close with a number of them for many years after selling the restaurant. In the town of Laverne, it was often remarked that you couldn’t get a better burger than a “Casey burger.” Glenn was very appreciative of having earned that reputation. He was always very grateful to receive the compliment, and grateful for the Laverne community’s longtime support of the business he owned and operated.
Glenn was a member of First Baptist Church of Laverne.
In 2009, due to failing health, Glenn and Stella moved to Norman to be with family. Glenn lived with his daughter and son-in-law until moving to the Norman Veterans Center in May 2012.
Glenn was preceded in death by his wife, Stella; brothers, Amos, Gene and twins Claude and Clifford who passed in childhood; and sisters, Geneva Harmon, Francis Campbell, Marie Eells, Artie Mae Miner, Bea Wicker and Julia Luckie.
He is survived by his daughter, Dee Anne Casey Holcomb and husband Rick; grandchildren, Casey and Caitlin of Norman; sister-in-law, Lois Evans of Enid; many nieces and nephews, friends and members of Laverne community including the loyal customers of Casey’s.
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