John Wright Casey

John Wright Casey
February 5, 1943 – September 2, 2026

John Wright Casey, 83, passed away peacefully at home on September 2, 2026. He was born on February 5, 1943, in Blythe, California, to Charles Monroe Casey and Ninnie Minerva Casey.

John graduated from Mapleton High School in Mapleton, Oregon. Following graduation, he proudly served one tour in the United States Navy at Moffett Field, California. Shortly after his discharge in February 1964, John married the love of his life, Cheryl Wolfe Casey, on April 25, 1964. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, friendship, and love.

John and Cheryl welcomed their first daughter, Kimberly, in 1965 and their second daughter, Kristin, in 1967. During the early years of their marriage, John worked at a variety of jobs before joining the Seattle Fire Department in 1967. He proudly served as a firefighter until December 1978, when an injury sustained while fighting a pier fire led to his early retirement.

John and Cheryl later moved their family to the Kittitas Valley, where they made their home for more than 40 years. Throughout their years in Kittitas County, they farmed and ranched together. John’s love of golf eventually inspired him to open Carey Lakes Golf Course, a small par-three course located just off Interstate 90. The course became another expression of John’s enjoyment of golf, community, and time spent with friends.

John was blessed with many enduring friendships throughout his life. Some began during his years in the Navy, while others grew through farming and ranching, golf, and the more than four decades he and Cheryl spent in Kittitas County. These friendships were deeply meaningful to him and remained an important part of his life.

John is survived by his sister, Doris Deveny, age 93; his daughters, Kim Casey and Kristin (Brad) Cameron; his grandchildren, RW (Casey) Saville, KC (Nikki) Saville, Cole (Jessica) Cameron, and Lexi (Evan) Olinger; and nine great-grandchildren, with a tenth soon to join the family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cheryl; his parents, Charles and Ninnie Casey; his sister, Charlene; and his brother, Floyd.

John will be remembered for his devotion to Cheryl and their family, his strong work ethic, his service to others, his love of golf, and the many friendships he built and treasured throughout his life. His legacy lives on through the family he loved and the many people whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to sign John’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com    Smith Funeral in care of cremation arrangements. 

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