Dennis Earl Lacey

Dennis Earl Lacey, age 88, of Casey IL passed away at 9:25 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Heartland Nursing Center, Casey, IL. He was born April 25, 1937 in Casey, IL, the son of Otis Rogene Lacey and Dorothy Josephine (Dodds) Lacey. Otis worked for Shell Oil Company which meant that the family moved several times while Dennis was growing up. The family transferred back to Casey in the early 1950's. Dennis and his brother, David, were able to attend Casey High School. Dennis was a member of the graduating class of 1955.

After high school, Dennis enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Base and on the USS Lexington aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific. While on a 30 day leave in August of 1959, he had his first date with Barbara Ann Green. On his next leave in June of 1960, he asked her to marry him. After a courtship of hundreds of letters, they were married on January 20, 1961 at Macedonia Baptist Church in Casey, Illinois.

Dennis and Barbara created a wonderful life together. It was filled with family and friends, based on a foundation of sacrificial love for others, and led by their faith in Jesus Christ. Their daughters were the most precious part of their world, and their joy was made full watching their grandchildren grow up and start families of their own.

Early in their marriage, Dennis was hired to help build a new packaging facility (McQuay-Norris) in Casey. After the construction was complete, they asked him to stay on as head of maintenance. He would continue in that position, through several management changes, until his retirement. After retirement he took a more active role in the family farm with his father-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephew.

For many years, Dennis was a member of the Toledo Baptist Church. He served in many positions, including Deacon, and on numerous building projects; but his passion was music. He loved singing and playing the guitar, and he found so much joy in being the song leader. After Barbara became ill, they moved to Casey and became members of the Moriah Church where he was dearly loved.

When the weather was cold or rainy, Dennis enjoyed being in his workshop. He was very artistic and creative. He loved woodworking, small building projects, creating something useful out of odd scraps, painting, restoring antiques, and nurturing the creativity of his children and grandchildren. On beautiful days, he loved being outdoors. He had a passion for landscaping, flower gardens, and creating habitats for fish and birds. On days when his children needed a hand, or his grandchildren had an activity, he was faithful to giving his support and helping in any way he could. He loved watching his grandsons compete at ball games and track meets, and he loved listening to his granddaughters sing. He was a hard worker who was faithful to making the world a better place for those he loved.

Survivors include his daughter, Diane Bolin of Casey, IL and her children, Jessica Prater (Troy) of Lebanon, TN and Drew Bolin (Maurah) and their children, Jameson, Merritt, and Winslet Bolin all of Casey, IL; daughter, Amy Lacey (Mark Shultz) of Fort Worth, TX and her children, Dustin Bohannon (Ashlyn) and their children Daphne and Theodore of Greenup, IL and Sophia West (Leland) and their daughter, Penelope of Houston, TX. He also leaves behind beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, his wife, and his son-in-law, Jim Bolin.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Markwell Funeral Home with Pastor Eddie Hammond officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Street Cemetery, Casey, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Moriah Church, 107B W. Main St., Casey, IL 62420.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message; light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.