Barbara Lou Casey

Barbara Lou Casey, 89, of New Lenox, IL, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025.

She was born in Mobley, Arkansas, on November 10, 1935, to Owen W. and Christina Eva (Pinkston) Lewallen.

Barbara married Thurman Casey on Christmas Eve, 1956 before moving to Joliet, Illinois where they raised their family. In 1992, Barbara and Thurman retired to Salem, Arkansas. Barbara returned to Illinois in 2015.

“Bob” (as she was known to many) loved music, playing several instruments including piano and guitar. She also enjoyed gardening and other crafts, but most of all, spending time with her family. Her happiest moments were those shared with her grandchildren.

She was a member of the Salem Church of Christ.

Survivors include her children: Cloeta Jerothe (Russ) of New Port Richey, FL; Steve Casey (Rosemary) of New Lenox, IL; and Allen Casey (Dawn) of Plainfield, IL. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert Lewallen (Billie) of Hot Springs and Ronnie Lewallen (Terrie) of Batesville. Grandchildren, Ryan Jerothe (Taylor), Devon Jerothe (Erin), Garrett Jerothe, Mathew Casey, Kyle Casey, Marissa Gurgone (Paul), Joshua Casey and Nicholas Casey. Her great-grandchildren include Maliyah, Ember and Jayden Gurgone and Ophelia and Graham Jerothe. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Thurman, sisters Omega Lewallen, Billie Jean Richardson, Nora Wanda Sandy, and Colleen Willmuth, and grandchild Jordan Casey.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Salem Church of Christ with Mike Yates officiating. Burial will follow at the Wiles Cemetery in Ash Flat.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time.