Tom Casey

Mass of Christian Burial for Tom Casey, 77-year-old Buffalo resident who passed away January 30, 2020, in Topeka, Kansas, will be held Saturday, February 22nd, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Pete Johnson as celebrant. Rosary recited from Harness Funeral Home on Friday, February 21st at 6:00 p.m. Interment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with VFW and American Legion in charge of military graveside services. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Learning Tree Christian School in care of the Harness Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams in Buffalo.  Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Neil Casey was born on January 29, 1943, in Rutland VT. He was born to Joseph E. Casey and Anna Casey, his father was a US Border Patrolman, his mother held many small jobs, but was known for being a talented seamstress and cook.  The family was transferred to the darkest North Dakota in 1953. Tom bravely floundered through grade school and attended St. John’s Prep School 1956-60.

He attended the University of North Dakota, 1961-63, then transferred to Michigan State University, majoring in Police Administration and graduating in 1965. The Vietnam War was at its height and Tom’s draft notice arrived almost immediately, proving that the US Government can move quickly when it wants to.

Tom enlisted in the Air Force instead, serving both stateside and in South East Asia as a Security Policeman. The risk of death by savage communists was much better in 1967 than standing guard over missile silos in Montana.  Tom said goodbye to Strategic Air Command as quickly as the transfer orders would let him.  He served for four years and was fond of telling “war stories,” the best of which are true. 

He bounced around for a few years, which included graduate school at the University of North Dakota, eventually being hired as a Criminal Investigator by US Immigration, a job that offered some security—and a living wage! He was fortunate to be mentored by the legendary Travis B. Martin, whose favorite catchphrase was, “It ain’t for real, son.”

In 1977, Tom married Clare Forsman (and her horses), launching a strange but wonderful relationship. Two children were born to them, Joe and Cecilia. They carry on the family reputation for quirkiness. Tom was very fond of them both.

In 1994, Tom retired subsequently, moving Clare and the kids to Buffalo. Tom and Clare loved the open spaces and the Bighorns.

Tom’s leisure time was devoted to reading (theology, philosophy, and history). He hated TV!  He was into 4WD before it was cool, spending a fair amount of time under them; an aviation enthusiast; a firearms instructor and Lifetime NRA member. While primarily a pistol shooter, he enjoyed high power rifles as well, his favorite was the .50 caliber Ma Deuce; now and then. Tom passed away peacefully, January 30, 2020, at his son’s home in Kansas, where he spent the last few weeks of his life creating new friends, new memories and adding to the host of people who will miss him.  Tom was preceded in death by Clare in December 2018, ending a 41-year marriage, his parents and brother, Larry.  He is survived by his children, Joe and Cecilia. 

All in all, it was a heck of a ride