Thomas (Tom) E. Casey, 75, of Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on February 17, 2025 just five days shy of his 76th birthday. He was born on February 22, 1949 and was raised on a farm northwest of Natoma, Kansas, where he developed a strong work ethic, his love of God, and his sharp wit.
Tom graduated from Natoma High School as Valedictorian of his class and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Hackerott, on December 27, 1969. He continued his education at Fort Hays State University with a degree in Business Administration. His professional career spanned several companies, including First National Bank of Natoma, National Supply, Red Tiger and Frontier Oil, and thirty-four years as manager of Express Well Service and Supply. He had a passion for sales and truly cared for his customers and employees. He was an advocate for the oil industry, speaking both locally and in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of safety standards and regulations. He was both an officer and a member of Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association and Association of Energy Service Companies.
Throughout his life, Tom continued to support and work on the family farm, alongside his father and his son. He always said “God gave us the land, we have to take care of it”. He loved his Catholic faith and was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus and Marked Men for Christ, eucharistic minister, catechism teacher, and lector. He never gave up his pursuit in strengthening his relationship with our Lord.
Tom was a loyal Kansas State University fan. For many years, he spent Saturdays in the fall treating family and friends to Wildcat football games as a season ticket holder. Most recently, he loved watching his grandson wear Wildcat purple as #97 on his big screen TV. Tom loved being a “Papa” to all ten of his grandchildren and drove many, many miles to attend their events.
Tom is survived by his mother, Doris Casey, his loving wife, Mary (Hackerott) Casey; his children, Amy (Paul) Matlack, Spencer (Michelle) Casey, Kim (Frank) Musalek, and Robyn (Brandon) Crichton; as well as his ten beloved grandchildren: Laura Casey, Nate Matlack, Hailey (Garret) Rounsley, Nick Matlack, Abbey Musalek, Ryan Casey, Ella Musalek, Lexi Casey, Luke Musalek, and Colin Crichton.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald M. Casey.
Tom’s legacy will live on through his grandchildren by all he taught them through his living and dying. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, February, 22, 2025, Tom’s 76th birthday, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a St. Mary’s Council #6984 Knights of Columbus rosary on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to CurePSP (psp.org) or to the St. Thomas More Society at TMP-M High School. Condolences and memories of Tom may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com