David E. Casson Sr.

David E. Casson, Sr. spent Wednesday morning, March 28, riding along with his grandson, Joseph Casson, in Joe's newly acquired 1992 relic Buick.  Grandpa and grandson drove to heaven together.

David was born January 12, 1932, in East St. Louis, Ill.  He started working out of Boilermakers Local #27 at the St. Louis Ship Building and Steel Company.  He became business manager and secretary/treasurer of Local #27 in 1969 and served for 18 years.  He then served as a representative for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers for 7 years.

David was an avid pinochle player and enjoyed playing and joking with friends at PSOP, where he worked as a volunteer, Shiloh Senior Center, Grand Court, or any kitchen table.  He was a very compassionate and giving person.  No one had to ask, just from general conversation, he would offer and follow through with assistance.  David enjoyed his Tuesday mornings with his R.O.M.E.O. pals where they prayed, shared stories, and solved problems.  He was not shy about voicing his ideals.God, family, and his country were very important to him and he would stand tall to defend his convictions.

Dave will be remembered for his bear hugs, his generosity, his joking and even his orneriness.  He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend.  True to his giving spirit, his body is being donated to Washington University.  He will be sadly missed, yet fondly remembered by all.

He was a lifetime member of Winstanley Baptist Church, Gothic Lodge #852 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite Bodies, Southern Illinois, Ainad Shrine, Belleville Shrine Club, Southern Illinois Court #86 ROJ, past secretary/treasurer of Missouri River Basin Apprentice Program, past board member of Boilermakers Pension Health & Welfare Board, vice president of St. Louis Labor Council, recipient of the Labor Management Award from the "City of Hope" in 1974, and formerly delivered Meals on Wheels.

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Son: Bennie Casson
  • Father: D.R. Casson
  • Mother and stepfather: Julia nee Gowen (Bennie) Butcher
  • sister: June Lee Casson
  • Brother: Daniel Casson
  • Grandson: Joseph Casson
  • Son-in-law: Elmer McGee

Surviving are his:

  • Wife of 61 years: Frances "Jerri" nee Weatherly Casson
  • 6 children
    • Linda McGee of Belleville, IL
    • David (Sandy) Casson of Collinsville, IL
    • Rick (Sharon) Casson of Albers, IL
    • Duane (Marianna) Casson of Bremerton, WA
    • Frank (Audra) Casson of Tulsa, OK
    • Jeff (Susan) Casson of Swansea, IL
  • 13 grandchildren
    • Chad, Jaymee (Scott), Jennifer, TJ, David Leon, Katie Rose
    • Jacob, Paige, Alexander, Micky, Elizabeth, William, and Olivia
  • 7 great grandchildren
    • Summer, Westin, Andrew, Emily, Aiden, Jayleen, and Tehya
  • Dear Nieces & Nephews

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Winstanley Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, IL or the Christian Activity Center, East St. Louis, IL

Visitation:  Friends may call from 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Winstanley Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, IL.  There will be a Jester walk-thru at 2:13 pm.

Funeral:  A Memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Winstanley Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Phillips officiating.

Condolences left for David E. Casson Sr.:

    My prayers and love goes out to my whole family. Dave Casson was an outstanding man, who influenced many. He introduced me to some of my more-distant relatives on that side of my family. My memories of him are few, but large and happy. His name has been a huge part of my whole life, and he was always there for my father. Extra hugs go out to Linda, and Jaymee. You two, like Dave, always offered great hospitality and were a large part of my youthful days. He may be gone, but he lives on within you, I know he is up in heaven watching over all of his family and friends.

    Love Always,
    Andi

    Andrea (Gowan) Witt Arnold MO 63010

    I met Dave & Jerri at PSOP pinochle club about a year ago. Dave was so sweet & made me feel part of the group. He always asked me how I was doing (had breast cancer last year). He always thought of others.

    I will miss him very much. I feel your loss, Jerri.

    I'm sorry, that I won't be able to attend services on Sat.

    Mary Laurent

    Mary Laurent Belleville IL 62220

    Remember the good times with Dave and Jerri. The sermons did not start until the Casson family were seated in the very front row at Winstanley. It was a joy to see that family together each Sunday.

    So long ago it was refreshing to see the Casson family in the front pew every Sunday at Winstanley. I have been away from the area for over 25 years but pleasant thoughts of great times with Dave, Jerri, Gene and Mildred Boyd remain with me. Dave was one of a kind created by God for us to have a more joyous life.

    Gene Blackman Jacksonville FL 32244-7430