Melvin Lee Casey, of rural Hamilton, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026. He was 97 years old. Melvin was born on March 24, 1929 in Burlington, the middle son of Thomas and Leona Errett Casey. He married Alice Marie Boone on December 24, 1951 in Neal, Kansas. She preceded him in death in 2013. He married Janice Ashley. She preceded him in death in 2025. Melvin attended Kansas State College (now Kansas State University) and graduated with a teaching degree in 1951. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Kansas City to serve his country. He reported to the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot at Parris Island in South Carolina in May 1951. He went to Quantico, where he trained as an officer. He then went to Camp Pendleton and then eventually came back home to get married because his next stop was Korea. 2nd Lt. Casey entered the Korean War when he was assigned to a troop ship that left the port at Miramar, San Diego. When he arrived in Korea, Melvin was assigned to D (Dog) Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, a 15-month assignment. During this time, he was promoted to a 1st Lieutenant. Melvin’s battalion was assigned to the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. He was honorably discharged and returned home in 1953.
Melvin spent many years as a farmer and rancher in Greenwood County. He and his wife Alice farmed near Neal, and then south of Hamilton in their later years.
