ROBERT K. CASEY

CASEY, ROBERT K.
Robert 'Bob' Kenneth Casey, M.D., retired physician and former member of the Florida House of Representatives, died on Sunday, June 7, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 22, 1931 in Paducah, Kentucky, to Gerald and Bessie Casey, Bob attended school in Cairo, Illinois and Paducah. He graduated in 1949 from Tilghman High School, where he served as student body president. In 1954, Bob married Evelyn Elizabeth Stewart of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, whom he met while playing ping-pong at Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center in North Carolina. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951, attended flight school, and served as a Naval Aviator for 18 months in Korea. Bob then served as a Captain in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1956-66. He graduated from Baylor University in 1958 and the University of Florida Medical School in 1965.
Dr. Casey began his career as a physician in 1967, joining the practice of Drs. Billy Brashear and William Evans. A dedicated and caring doctor, he was devoted to his patients and never forgot how to make house calls. In 1985, he served as Chief of Staff at Alachua General Hospital. Dr. Casey's interest in public service eventually led him into the political process; he represented District 22 in the Florida House of Representatives from 1992-2000, receiving numerous awards for his legislative achievements in health care, education, criminal justice, and children's issues. A Republican whose philosophy was to talk about issues and not personalities, Dr. Casey would strive to work across the aisle for the betterment of the people of Florida. He was fond of saying, 'I love Democrats - I raised three of them.'
Ordained as a Baptist minister since 1952, Dr. Casey's deep and abiding faith in God guided him throughout his life and inspired his generous efforts to serve others and work to promote racial and gender equality. As a summer missionary in 1950, he rode on horseback in rural Appalachia ministering to impoverished communities in Eastern Kentucky. As a physician, Dr. Casey delivered meals and other necessities to patients in need, in addition to providing medical treatment. He was an active member of Parkview Baptist Church for over 45 years, serving as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher.
During the 1970s, Dr. Casey became an avid runner and fitness enthusiast, eventually running the New York Marathon in 1983. He encouraged wellness and healthy living, and his family, friends, and patients will always remember his signature closing remark: 'Have a well day!' For many years, that wellness included family canoeing adventures in North Florida and South Georgia.
Dr. Casey is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Evelyn Casey; three children: Kenneth (Jane) Casey, Kathryn (Bob) Casey Ayres, and Susan (Kathryn) Casey; a brother, Delmon (Mary Ann) Casey; eight grandchildren: Galen Olmsted, Adrian Olmsted, Christina Ayres Cardenas, David Ayres, Casey Ayres Scott, John Ayres, Ana Ayres, and Logan Casey; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Casey Fancher, and his grandson, Casey Olmsted.
A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Casey's life will be held at Parkview Baptist Church on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at 3:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to the Bob Casey Memorial Fund at either Parkview Baptist Church, 3403 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32609, or Doctors Without Borders, PO Box 5022, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Arrangements by Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main St. (352) 376-5361.