Clyde John Caskey Jr.

C. J., known to all as Jack, was born to parents Clyde and Hazel Caskey on April 30th, 1926, in Independence, Kansas. Jack spent his youth hunting and fishing with his father and friends, and was also a talented athlete and musician, lettering in basketball, tennis and track and field while also playing first- chair trumpet and performing as drum major in the Independence High School bands.

After his High School graduation Jack enlisted in the Army where he served as a Tech Sergeant and forward observer for the Tropic Lightning Field Artillery Division in the Pacific Theater. After V-J Day, Jack remained in Japan as part of the occupation force. His favorite duties while in Japan were playing first-chair trumpet in the 25th Division marching band and lead trumpet in General Eisenhower’s dance band.

His enlistment complete, Jack returned to the states and attended Independence Junior College, where he again lettered in basketball, track and field and tennis, and graduated with an Associates Degree in Business. Jack next attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, during which time he played a year of basketball for the Jayhawks, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and married his childhood sweetheart, Norma Rose Case, also of Independence.

Jack’s post-college career started in the furniture business but before long he took advantage of an opportunity to enter the oil and gas industry as a scout for Magnolia Petroleum, later known as Socony-Vacuum Oil Company which in turn became Mobil Oil Corporation. Jack’s career with Mobil spanned 25 years; he retired from his position there as Vice President of Land in the United States and Canada to become Vice President of Land and Title Records for Southland Royalty Company in Fort Worth, Texas, a position he held for another ten years. During Jack’s 35 years in the oil business he witnessed many changes, forged many close friendships and, with these friends, fashioned many fond memories. His warmest memories, however, came from his years as an officer in the American Association of Petroleum Landmen, where he presided during the 1972-1973 term and, as an avid golfer, looked forward to greeting old friends at the annual A.A.P.L. conventions and golf tournaments. Jack always enjoyed his time on the links, and shot his age numerous times. Later in life he split time playing golf and painting mountain landscapes, still life scenes and portraits.

Mr. Caskey is survived by three sons and their wives: Michael and Sharon Caskey of Parker, Colorado, Dr. Patrick and Karen Caskey of Santa Rosa, California and Daniel and Holly Caskey of Roanoke, Texas, as well as seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A Memorial Reunion will be held for family members next Spring in Independence, Kansas.