March 1, 1948
Father Michael Casey
Father Casey was born on June 2, 1878 in Grafton, MA. He attended Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA; Grand Seminary, Montreal, Canada; and St. Bernard’s Seminary, Rochester, NY. Bishop Hennessy ordained him for the Diocese of Wichita on Oct. 2, 1904. After assignments of a few months at the old Pro-Cathedral and Claflin, he was made pastor at St. Andrew’s Parish in Independence in 1905 for 42 years. It was his only assignment as pastor. “Besides the close association with his own parish, Fr. Casey took an active interest in the growth and progress of Independence and attended civic functions regularly.” (The Advance Register, March 12, 1948) He died at Mercy Hospital in Independence after suffering with a heart ailment for several years. At the time of his death he was the Director of the Apostleship of Prayer and a member of the Diocesan School Board. Burial was in the St. Andrew Parish Cemetery.