Clinton “Casey” Jones
Clinton Casey" Everett Jones passed away October 24, 2018. He was born May 3, 1930 to Earl V. and Gertrude (Differding) Jones at their home on Tall Timber Ranch in Chance, South Dakota.
He grew up there and attended Happy Hill School, where his Aunt Della taught. Casey's favorite pastimes were rabbit hunting, horseback riding and bullhead fishing. From age 9 to 13, he worked at a neighboring ranch, herding 300 sheep, receiving 25 cents a night and $1.00 a weekend. Casey left home at age 14, trailed cattle during the week and rode broncs at the rodeo on the weekend.
At age 21 Casey enlisted in the Korean War serving on three different ships. He was honorably discharged as a Gunners-mate E4, in 1955.
While home on leave, he attended a dance and met Lila June Richardson. He said "he had no idea he was about to be married, it just felt right. I chased her until she caught me. She was the love of my life." Together they had three children, Dawn, Clint and Monty. They celebrated 61 happy years, until her passing on June 15, 2015.
Casey was an iron worker from 1957 to 1982. He then opened Casey's Backhoe in 1980, which he later turned over to his son, Clint. For almost 40 years, Lila and Clinton would snowbird to Fountain of Youth Resort in Southern California. He spent many happy hours with friends. Casey liked to read Louis L'Amour books, fish, hunt and play poker. He had a quick smile and a twinkle in his eye, and was a generous and loving husband, grandfather and Dad. He will be greatly missed.
Casey is survived by his daughter Dawn (Richard), son, Clint (Linda) and son, Monty (Leila). Grandchildren, Justin Jones of Dowling, MI, Amanda (Kyle) of Wasilla, AK, Amy (Doug) of Anchorage, AK and great-grandchildren, Matthew, Trinity, Alex, Rocky and Elizabeth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Gertrude, brothers, Lawrence, Glen, George, Gilbert, and Ronnie, sisters, Ester, and Alice, and granddaughter, Destiny Jones.
There's a poker table waiting in the sky. The angels have reserved a spot waiting up on high. Our table is now empty in the place you used to sit. But you are now in heaven, not missing earth a bit. Now in the embrace of your Savior, on earth you will be missed. You left us many memories of taking all our chips! (Casey).
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on November 17, 2018 at the Hickory Corners American Legion, 3801 W. Hickory Rd., Hickory Corners, MI. Full Military Honors will be provided by Post 484.
Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings, Michigan. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.
