John Casebeer

John W. Casebeer, 96, of McPherson died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2004, at the Cedars Health Care Center in McPherson.

He was born February 6, 1908 in Altoona, Iowa, the son of William and Lola (Hatcher) Casebeer. In 1922, John moved with his family to Red Star, Arkansas, and in 1926, he left Arkansas to work in the Oklahoma oil fields. John came to McPherson in 1931.

In 1933, John was united in marriage to Clara Krueger. They had two sons. In 1934, they moved to Galva and John worked for Kansas Power & Light. While living in Galva, John started his first salvage business, the Galva Iron & Metal Company. In 1940, John moved his family and his oil field salvage business to McPherson and started the Casebeer Supply Company. In the mid 1940's, John developed the Casebeer Oil & Gas Company. He continued to successfully operate both the salvage and the oil and gas businesses for nearly 30 years.

John was a devoted public servant. Most of his life was spent serving the people of McPherson County and the State of Kansas. John was elected to public office ten times. His first office was to the Galva City Council. John served for fourteen years in the Kansas State Legislature (1955-1969). Much of this time he served on the Ways & Means Committee and the Oil & Gas Committee. In 1972, John was elected to the McPherson County Commission. He served for 12 years. During his tenure, he repaired the clock in the McPherson County Courthouse tower.

John was an active member of numerous civic, educational, and fraternal organizations. He was a member of the McPherson County Chamber of Commerce for 65 years, serving as president three terms; the Elks Lodge for 62 years, serving as Exalted Ruler; the McPherson Lions Club for 58 years, serving as president; and the IOOF for 66 years. John was a 68 year member of the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite, and a 58 year member of the Isis Shrine. He was a Heritage member of McPherson College and served on the board at Central Christian College.

In 1979, John was selected by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce as the "Man of the Year." In 1981, John was honored as Elk of the Year. In 1998, he was recognized by the City of McPherson for "His Outstanding Support and Contribution toward the Preservation of McPherson City and County History". In 2003, he received the Distinguished Service Award from Lions International. In 2003, John was the recipient of the Pioneer Business Award, presented by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce, naming John to the Business & Industry Wall of Honor.

John was a life member of the First Baptist Church in McPherson. He served on the Meals on Wheels Board, the Lindsborg Old Mill Board, the Shiloh Nursing Home Board in Canton, plus numerous other local boards.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son, Charles and daughter-in-law, Sue, of Chapin, South Carolina; his brother, Charles of McPherson; a sister, Rose Barker of Dewey, Oklahoma; five grandsons, Doug, Mike, Steve, Tom, and Chris Casebeer; a granddaughter, Joni Kennedy; eight great-grandchildren; the Keith Becker daughters; several nephews, nieces, and many friends and acquaintances. John was preceded in death by his wife, Clara; his son, George; a grandson, Jeff; two brothers, Robert and George Casebeer; and two sisters, Martha Kendall and Margaret Swanson.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Crestwood Memorial Park, McPherson. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Stockham Family Funeral Home in McPherson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John Casebeer Scholarship Fund at McPherson College, the George Casebeer Memorial Scholarship Fund at McPherson College, The First Baptist Church, or Central Christian College. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Casebeer please visit our Sympathy Store.