DECIL, Casimir R. (Casey)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, October 30, 2007 Casimir R. (Casey) Decil was born in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 28, 1920. The family name was "Dzieciol" which was difficult to pronounce. After high school graduation he shortened the name to Decil, tired of being referred to as "you there" or "hey you." Later, after the family's initial disapproval, they did the same. In the Army, Casey served in radio communications from ground to air as part of the Air Force. He was involved in five invasions in Japanese-held territory and was wounded. Part of his early Army training was in Arizona and he loved the area. Later, he and an Army buddy returned to the state with dreams of becoming cattle barons. They soon discovered baronhood demanded much more than dreams so they moved to Phoenix to seek their fortunes. Casey became a Coca-Cola route man then later was the outside sales rep. for Baskay Wholesale. His future wife, Belle, arrived in Phoenix as Art Director for the then Diamond's Department Stores and to quote from the TV show "Everybody Loves Raymond, "their love was meant to be." After a year of friendship, they eloped. Casey became an active broker with Red Carpet Realty and devoted over 20 years to making homebuyers happy until moving to the Prescott are where he enjoyed his third retirement. He suffered from congestive heart disease, which grew progressively worse. He was loved by many as a charismatic character who could and would tell endless stories of human antics. He loved life to its fullest and his advice to those younger was "Do the things you desire while you can and build beautiful memories." His wife of 42 years has many wonderful memories of love and companionship with her beloved Casey. A memorial service with military honors will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007, at the National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek, Ariz. A Celebration of Life at Faith United Church in the Prescott Country Club, Dewey, Ariz., will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007. Sunrise Funeral Home of Prescott Valley assisted with arrangements. Information provided by survivors.