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Daniel
June 6, 2025
I saw Mike play basketball at the old Simpsonville school in late 1968. At the the time we were neighbors.
Sherman King
February 27, 2017
I lived on his Grand fathers farm "Henry Smith" and he would come over and we would play basketball out in the dairy Barn driveway. I was about 6yrs old he wouldve been 10 or 11... knew he would be a great player then and he was always such a great guy, so good hearted. And his Sister Masha was a sweet girl as well. Sorry it took so long and so many years for me to find this but my deepest condolences to his family. Always thought alot of you Mike, your friend "Little King"
Kim McCarthy
May 30, 2009
Dear Laura, Joy, and Julia...
Thank you for your witness during Mike's illness. I have many fond memories of living next door and thank the Lord that we became family. May His grace continue to give you comfort and strength. Much love...
Ken & Verna Jordan
May 4, 2009
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. The memories of Mike when he played for the Cats will remain with us forever.
David Selvy
May 2, 2009
Our deepest sympathies to the Casey family.
Mike was a wonderful friend and a great athlete. We'll always miss him. Love and Best Wishes from the Selvy family to the Casey family.
Carlene Cook
April 21, 2009
With sympathy and prayers,
Charles & Carlene Cook
timothy hume
April 20, 2009
mike was always a role model for me back when i was young. i'll miss him.
Herb Hofer
April 18, 2009
I'll always remember "Casey-Issel-and Pratt"--Mike was such a great player and a great guy!!--a true wildcat--So sorry for the families loss.
Dean O'Leary
April 17, 2009
I remember playing basketball with Mike on the goal just outside the Simpsonville Elementary school, when I was in the 7th grade and Mike in the 5th. Saw him in Lexington a few times later, after he and I were graduated from UK. He remained the same friendly guy that I knew from our childhood days...always friendly and never too busy to talk a little.
Sandy Head
April 16, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Barry Ruble
April 16, 2009
I grew up in Shelby County. After Mike got out of collage he came back home and played on our church (Dover Baptist)backetball team. He was a great guy and will be missed.
Connie McGinnis
April 15, 2009
Thoughts and prayers are with all the Casey family. Mike was a great person in so many wonderful ways. He always had that great smile. He will be missed by many.
the Robert Nelson family
April 15, 2009
Our thoughta and prayers remain with you and your family.
Penny Smith
April 15, 2009
Mike was such a great UK player and one of my favorites. May God Bless You at this sad time. Hold on to all the memories and know that one day you will be together again.
Judith Edwards
April 15, 2009
My prayers and condolences are with you in your time of sorrow. I remember watching Mr. Casey and the Cats on T.V. when I was about 13 or 14 years old. May God bless and comfort all of you.
Robert Sliger
April 15, 2009
God Bless the Casey family my prayers go out to you, Mike will always be remembered.
Danny Church
April 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Casey's family and friends. What a great player Mike was. There is sadness in the "Land of Blue." What do you want to bet, there is a basketball game in heaven right now.
Shirley & Bobby Wood
April 14, 2009
Mike was a good friend from grade school to high school when we graduated in 1966. He always had time for everyone and treated everyone the same. His concern for everyone showed his love in his heart. We will all have a big task to follow in his footsteps. He now is preparing our way to meet him at a later date in heaven.
Sharon Miles
April 14, 2009
Mike Casey was one of the nicest persons I have ever met. His passing is a great loss to many. My heart goes out to his family.
Finley Campbell
April 14, 2009
I won a quarter from my schoolmate in the summer of 1966, betting that you would score more pts. in the Ky-IN. All-Star games than Rick Mount, and you beat him by 1 pt. Great representative for the University of Kentucky.
Ralph Blandford
April 14, 2009
My thoughts are with Mike's family in this time of sorrow.I have had several great golf outings with " The Case " at St' Catherine's Celebrity Golf Tourney. He was a great person and I will miss him tremendously. The Golf tourney will never be the same without Mike.
RAY HUEY
April 14, 2009
You lived a kentucky boy's dream. Anyone who ever knew you never had a bad thing to say of you. MIke the basketball world surely will miss u. Hell the whole world will miss a GREAT HUMAN BEING you were. God bless and keep a eye out for RUPP DON'T LET HIM MAKE U RUN ANY LAPS. HA HA
Beverly Merritt
April 14, 2009
I am a died-in-the-wool, my heart bleeds blue, Wildcat Fan who relocated to Atlanta for my job. Mike Casey truly knew what it meant to have "Kentucky" emblazoned on his basketball uniform. I will remember his fighting spirit and his pride on being a "Wildcat."
Don Reynolds
April 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gary Brooks
April 14, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Mike once just a few years ago, and was still in awe of him....just as I was as a mediocre high school player in the 60's. He was my idol in those years and I will never forget watching him play. Thanks for the memories, Mike...you were one of a kind!! The Big Blue Nation will truly miss you!
Maggie Nicholson
April 14, 2009
Mike always remained grounded in from where he came and yet, cherished his MANY friends he acquired throughout his lifetime. He never missed an opportunity to touch base with his friends and was always one who took the lead in organizing get-togethers for his SCHS friends. One of his greatest attributes was his sincerity and love for Shelby County High School. He will be greatly missed in Shelby County. Even though he was Mr. Kentucky Basketball, he was first and foremost "Mr. Shelby County Basketball". Masha and family, we are thinking of you and you are in our prayers for God's comfort during this time.
Mark Dossey
April 14, 2009
Thanks for the memories, Mike, as Cawood would tell me which way on my radio dial the Cats were running...huge part of my life growing up in rural Kentucky. Priceless.
Sue Hall
April 13, 2009
Masha,
There are so many memories of Mike and my family that I could write a whole book. There were the softball and basketball games in the backyard with Mike, Bob, "Twink" {Bill), Tom and Jim Hayden, and anyone else in Simpsonville who wanted to play; your dad saying when he wasn't at home he knew to look for him at the Hall's house (day or night); the high school baseball tournament in which he, "Twink", Busey, Ritter, and others almost got SC another championship in 1966 (runners-up) to go along with the basketball trophey; after practice for KY/IN All Star game he and the other players setting with Bob, "Twink and myself at a concert in Cardinal Stadium; "Twink" and I visiting him in his dorm room after a UK game; bringing Dan Issel by the house; stopping by to say hello to my family at Freedom Hall with Larry Conley when they were there with Rupp and at the Jerry's Drive In with Mike Pratt after a game and visiting with your Mom and Dad; giving Carol her nickname of "Skeeter" when she was younger, and for sharing memories with Bob and his son Tristan. He and "Twink" can now talk over the good times along with both our parents up in Heaven. He was like another younger brother and son in our family. Love and God Bless all of you.
Michele
April 13, 2009
Mike Casey was my hero. I was a teen while he played for the Wildcats, and I thought he hung the moon. Too young to die. Rest In Peace, Mike.
David Carpenter
April 13, 2009
When I was an eight grader Mike Casey was a senior at Shelby County [1966] Coach billm Harrell had open gym at Shelby County High School every Sunday and anyone who wanted to could go up there and play basdketball or just shoot around with whoever showed up. My dad who was a close personal friend and fishing buddy of coach Harrel always took me up there. True to his love of basketball Mike Casey was always there.
I was just this goofy little dork who came up there to gawk at my big heroes[the Shelby county rockets] Mike was the only one that ever gave so much as the time of day he was a genuinely good person and never let the fact that he was tremendous athlete go to his head. Igrew up idolizing Mike as one of the great athletes and persons to have come from Shelby county high school. I now live in Louisville Kentucky and hadnt seen Mike in many years. I ran in to him one day in downtown Louisville and had something else on my mind and didn't even realize who he was but Mike knew me. He said hey little Carp. That's just the kind of down ton earth oerson Mikem was. He never forgot you if he ever knew you. I deeply regret that I am unable to go to visitation or the funeral but I want his sister Masha and all of his loved ones how much I though of this great person and great competitor.
Ida Guier
April 13, 2009
Laura, Masha,Lowry,Casey,and Cory Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mary Johnson
April 13, 2009
Laura and Joy,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you both and your family members. You fought hard with Mike to the end. He knows how much you both loved him. How lucky he was to have you in his life. May God always bless your family.
Mary and Tim Johnson
Brenda Bryant (Burke)
April 13, 2009
I remember Mike from softball, He played on the same team as my dad, He was a great guy and will always be remembered.
George Harbour
April 13, 2009
A good friend of mine when I lived in Shelbyville from 1972-1990. Mike and I played a lot of church basketball and softball together for First Baptist Church of Shelbyville. We played together like this for almost 15 years...I will never forget our time together. Even as we got older. He never lost the beautiful jump shot....
Rick Asbury, Balfour
April 13, 2009
I have enjoyed working with Mike for many years. We will all miss him very much. My sympathy to his family. He was really a great person.
S. M. Johnson
April 13, 2009
Mike’s gregarious personality touched many people throughout the great Commonwealth that he loved and cherished so much; as well as the many fans he had throughout this great nation.
Mike was known for the generous life he lived both on and off the basketball court. He was always a giver, never a taker. A remarkable trait from a remarkable guy.
Mike was a real man who loved his family, especially Laura, his hometown, his state, his ‘Cats, the fans, and the thousands upon thousands of friends he had amassed and touched during his wonderful and giving life.
The world lost a good man, but eternal life gained a real angel. His smile will live forever.
I have fond memories of Mike; a few involving his remarkable basketball career – but even more meaningful memories as his life developed well after his UK career. He was a wonderful person to know. We were most fortunate to have shared some hearty laughs with Mike – and boy, could he make you laugh. He lived life as we all should – to it fullest.
My deepest sympathies to Laura and family. May God grant you the strength to manage through these most difficult of times. Keep your fondest memories of Mike close to you at all times. Never, never, let them fade from your mind. Keep them forever fresh each and every day. Be comforted that your prayers will be answered by the Almighty Maker and Mike shall rest in eternal peace.
Steve Johnson
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Allen Peel
April 13, 2009
Thanks Mike for the great memories you gave people of this state.I didn`t know you but a friend of mine Doug Billips has told me all about Mike. That is still my favorite era of UK basketball. I watched Casey, Issel, and Pratt at 11:30 taped replays. God Bless Mike Casey.
Dennis Price
April 13, 2009
So sorry about Mike passing this from an old friend at Todds Point, Price's Grocery.I was also a Shelby County grad 1970.
Derhonda Treadway
April 13, 2009
I didn't know Mike personally but he was a great friend to my dad Donnie Owen as he got to know him at Bullitt East High School. He thought so much of him and talked of him so highly I can only imagine what a great person he was.God Bless.
Mike Stalls
April 13, 2009
I was a student at UK during Mike's time and ran into him on occasion. He was always extremely friendly and willing to sign autographs or just talk...about anything. We will all miss Mike.
Dave Bock
April 13, 2009
As good a basketball player as Mike was, I think he was a better person. I got to know him while he was selling rings in schools where I worked. He always treated everyone with great respect. He would always ask me how I was, not letting on about his own problems. My sympathy to his family. He will be missed by many.
Dicky Baldwin
April 12, 2009
Dear Laura,
Just wanted you to know how sorry I was to hear of Mike's passing. He was both a terrific player and person, and I'm certain he was a terrific dad, too. I was so glad to see Mike when you brought him to the office a few years ago. I knew he was having some major health issues, and I was thankful that Dr. B was able to "keep him going" before his retirement. I know he loved both you and your father very much, and all of us in the office felt the same way. May memories of your dad give you strenth and comfort during this difficult time for you and your family.
Jerry & Vicki Denney
April 12, 2009
We first knew Mike as we cheered for him at UK, but we got to know him personally when we lived in Shelbyville and went to church with him. Mike was a great guy and a wonderful representative of the BBN and he will be missed. Laura, you were the apple of his eye and his greatest joy. We are praying for God's comfort for you during this difficult time.
Brenda Burke Bryant
April 12, 2009
I remember Mike most from when he played softball. He was a great guy and will always be remembered
Janie Wise
April 12, 2009
My fondest memories from college at UK are of watching Casey, Pratt, and Issel. I am so sorry to hear of Mike's death; I found myself wanting to say "Thank You Mike, for your part in that time".
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family Laura, as you go through this trying time. It seems your father stayed the same fine man as an adult... that he was in college... for that you are blessed. I am sad that he is gone.
aj
April 12, 2009
caywoods call, Casey from the top of the key moving left to right, stops turns shoots, right it down. Casey with 21 to lead the way.
Phil Thompson
April 12, 2009
I was very sorry to hear of Mike's illness and passing. Thanks to his daughter for keeping many of his old friends posted on his situation.
Mike and I were friends/athletes at UK together and I will always remember his sense of humor and down-home humility, which many times masked his intense competitiveness. He was a fun guy to know and I'm very sad he's no longer with us.
My prayers are with the Casey family in this difficult time.
Jim Jordan
April 12, 2009
Got to know Mike while we worked on getting a radio station license for Lexington.He was always cheerfull and a gentleman.knowledgeable and eager to learn new things.He was an even better person than he was a basketball player,and we all know how good he was at playing the game he loved.
Gary [frog] Ritter
April 12, 2009
Spent many days playing softball
with Mike a great guy and a good bud. will miss him.
Jeff Dowdy
April 12, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Gary Childers
April 12, 2009
To all family. Mike was a special friend, who I respected, loved, and enjoyed his company each and every time we had an opportunity to visit. When I last spoke to him a month or so ago, we ended the phone chat "God Bless" to each other... He is now our point guard leading the way into eternity! Warm Regards, The "Dawg"
Cathy J
April 12, 2009
My heart broke when I heard the news of Mike's passing. Many memories of good times with Mike and Joy while living in Shelbyville have gone through my mind. Truly a remarkable human being who will be missed by many. He is in a good place, free of pain and at peace. May god be with the Casey family during this most difficult time. My prayers are with you.
lynn ritter
April 12, 2009
we didnt know mike personally but we where uk students during his uk basketball career he was a great man both on and off court he never forgot where he came from we will cherish his memory at uk he deserved to be in hall of fame long before now john and lynn ritter
April 12, 2009
Mike Casey was a good roll model. My 3 sons and I played golf in the St. Catherine College annual fund raiser 2 years ago and Mike was our celebrity player. He took special interest in my sons and encouraged them in their life endeavors. Mike and Joy were good friends of mine as well. Mike will be missed.
Steve Springfield, Ky.
Ken Holthouser retired
April 12, 2009
To the Casey Family
Mike and I worked together building the new pool at the Shelbyville Country Club. I will always remember him as a great guy and what a loss this is for the community of Shelbyville.
Michael Forrest
April 12, 2009
All of Kentucky and moreover, Cat basketball fans everywhere will miss Mike. He was a wonderful player and an even better person. Save a place up there for us Mike.
Maury Cox
April 11, 2009
Masha, Lowry and family. We have you in our thoughts and prayers at this time of great loss.
In sympathy,
Maury & Sue Cox
Thurman Davis
April 11, 2009
Mary Gayle and I send our condolences to all the family.
Love,
Thurman and Mary Gayle
Lucy Riffle
April 11, 2009
To the Casey Family
My prayers are with you!! I followed Mike as he played for UK and met him at the many hospitality rooms Balfour hosted at KY principal's conferences. What a great guy!!! Heaven is a better place with Mike there.
Randy
April 11, 2009
I just wanted to say to the Casey Families how sorry and sad i was to hear about the passing of Mike Casey.
LaMar Hundley, Jr
April 11, 2009
Mike was a great ambassador for Shelby Co and UK and a great friend. I will miss him but know that he can rest now. May God bless the Casey family. Thank you Mike for all the memories.
Cindy Roberts
April 11, 2009
Laura
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I thought a lot of him plus I have always been a big UK fan. I will be thinking of you.
Sean Campbell
April 11, 2009
He was a fine player and a great gentleman. I'm sure he will be an integral part of Coach Rupp's team in Heaven.
Ed Yount
April 11, 2009
Mike, my best friend, you were always there when we were growing up on the farm in Shelby County, shooting baskets off Granny's meat-house wall. It was great we got to talk last summer when I was home in Kentucky. I will miss you, but knowing we will meet again in the future.
OTHEL TURPIN
April 11, 2009
MIKE CASEY ALL AMERICAN ON EARTH MIKE CASEY ALL AMERICAN IN HEAVEN THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A WONDERUL HERO TO ALL BIG BLUE FANS . RIP MY HERO.
Charles Ferguson
April 11, 2009
As a part of the Kentucky family and Big Blue Nation, Mike you will be missed. Thank you for your life and for our enjoyment. May God bless the Casey family and those closer to them than we are.
Bob "Jed" Parker
April 11, 2009
Even though almost 30 years old when I would return home to West Virginia and
play "Horse" with my buddies, I'd pretend
I was Mike Casey. God bless and comfort
his family.
don walker
April 11, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Missy Doyle
April 11, 2009
I remember Mike well. I am a cradle UK fan and follow all the games even today. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Robert Hughes
April 11, 2009
I remember seeing Mike play and thought he was a very good player. Sorry to see him go.
Robert Statton
April 10, 2009
Just a simple thank you from one of the thousands that would sit by the a.m. radio trying to hear clearly Cawood calling the game thru the static and hiss coming thru the distant night. Listening to these games were the foundation of what dreams are made of. Thank you for your part.
David Perryman
April 10, 2009
Are thoughts and prayers are with the Casey family. He was a great player for Kentucky. God Bless.
Jay Allen
April 10, 2009
Mike Casey was one of my all time favorite U.K. basketball players. A class act all the way, I know that he is with our Lord now and is in no more pain and suffering.
May God Bless and comfort the Casey family during this time.
Bobby and Flora Johns
April 10, 2009
Mike: You will be missed by all of the Ky. Basketball fans all over the world. You were what Ky Basketball stands for. Rest in peace and may your family find peace and know that you are not suffering anymore.
Paula Kinsolving
April 10, 2009
My heart is broken for Mike's passing. Thanks for the wonderful memories!!
Michael Davis
April 10, 2009
i dont really know Mike but i was named after him. parents were big UK fans. recently he did something that showed me what nice guy he was to his fans. i'll shorten the story for here. Last month one of his coworkers recently took him a basketball to sign for me, even thought he was down there in the hospital going through everything he took the time to sign a ball to me and send it all way back here in bullit county to me. i thought that was really kind of him. God Bless the Casey family .
Lowell Ogden
April 10, 2009
Being a Kentucky native and an avid UK fan, I followed Mike Casey's wonderful days at UK with great interest. May God lead the Casey family through this difficult time.
April 10, 2009
REST IN PEACE MIKE AND MY GOD BLESS AND GIVE PEACE TO YOUR FAMILY.
DEBBIE AND DALE FITZGERALD
Barry & Marja Amburgey
April 10, 2009
We didn't know Mike personally but enjoyed watching him play as a Kentucky Wildcat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, his family and friends. Barry and Marja Amburgey (Pine Top, KY).
DALE/DEBBIE FITZGERALD
April 10, 2009
REST IN PEACE MIKE AND MAY GOD BLESS AND GIVE PEACE TO YOUR FAMILY.
Tim Maggard
April 10, 2009
I remember as a kid sitting around the radio with my father listening to the cats playing b-ball, always cheering for the great sophmore player. Go with God..
Dr. Michael Dukes
April 10, 2009
I remember him so well, listening to UK growing up...what a great player he was. He will be missed by the UK faithful.
Joshua & DeAnna Hamilton (Dingus)
April 10, 2009
Laura,
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family. He will forever be in UK basketball history, more importantly I will remember him as a father who loved his daughter.
jerry Hager
April 10, 2009
May God bless Mr. Caseys family and loved ones with the strength to get through this sad time. Though your thoughts may bring tears now rest assured in time these tears will turn to smiles as you remember this special man.
Jack Adams
April 10, 2009
God bless the Mike Casey family one of the greatest Cats of all time.
Karen Cooper
April 10, 2009
Great times with Mike and Masha growing up. Both are/were class acts, and geniune. I wear the family "34" on my umpire uniform. Thanks Mike for being you, and Masha and Lowry, keeping you in prayer. Love ya, Karen
Don Clark
April 10, 2009
God Bless you Mike.
I know that God is glad to have you on his team.
James Lynn
April 10, 2009
Mike Casey will always be remembered by all the loyal fans of the Big Blue Nation. God Bless
Tom McMillan
April 10, 2009
Mike Casey was "Mr. Basketball" at Shelby County and one of the all time greats at Kentucky.
Our prayers go out to the entire Casey family.
Owen Tallent
April 10, 2009
Wishing the Best to Family and Friends of the Casey's A wonderful human being thanks for the memories.
Matt Bevins
April 10, 2009
God Bless the Mike Casey family
Mike Pirtle
April 10, 2009
May God grant you peace and rest, and may He bestow comfort upon your family.
Kenny Robertson
April 10, 2009
one of the great players in uk history. we will miss you. best wishes to the family.
Julie Wilson
April 10, 2009
What a sad day for the BBN. Rest in peace, Mr. Casey. Thanks for the memories. My condolences to the Casey family.
Clarence Wilson
April 10, 2009
My prayers go out to the Casey family. It was a privilege to know him personaly. He was a great basketball player. He will be truly missed.
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