Adrien "Toad" Leonard Casey

Lifelong wheat farmer and businessman Toad Casey died at age 94 on October 28, 2011 at Eagle Springs Specialty Care Community in College Place, WA.

Toad was born on July 10, 1917 to Vincent and Ella Blevins Casey in Eureka Washington. He attended school at Eureka grade school, Prescott High School (class of 1935) and Washington State University. He survived his four siblings: Dorothy Smith, Doris Brock, Lilah Burns and Arnold “Murphy” Casey.

On November 16, 1941 Toad married Virginia Paralee Taylor. They shared over 70 wonderful years of marriage. They spent over 40 years on Casey Farms in Eureka, and raised four children there. Farming was Mr. Casey’s passion in life. He particularly enjoyed studying the science of agriculture and applying that knowledge and experience toward successful wheat farming. Although the vagaries of the farm economy sometimes thwarted him, he never faltered and always started anew. His son’s friends lightly referred to him as “the sand king” because of his successful ability to grow wheat under the tough conditions on Eureka Flat.

Mr. Casey was an avid private pilot and a member of the Flying Farmers of America. He used his plane as a volunteer firefighter in Eureka. He was a member of and served as President of the Walla Walla Grain Growers. He rode his palomino horse “Chief” with the Walla Walla Wagon Wheelers, and was a lifetime member of the BPOE Elks Lodge #287. He was a member of the Eureka Grange. He was a 60 year member of the Walla Walla Country Club.

Toad is survived by his loving wife, Paralee, at home and his daughter Debra, sons Matt and his wife Judy, Brian and his wife Janey, and grandchildren Nicholas and Adrienne all of Walla Walla. His daughter Pam O’Shaughnessy and her husband John live in Alexandria, VA. His sister-in-law Georgia Casey of Cody, WY survives him. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter-in-law Sheryl Bowers Casey. He is also survived by many step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 1:00 PM also at the funeral home with Rev. Steve Morris officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Ft. Walla Walla Museum through the funeral home.