Gene Cassady, age 83, of Lake City, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015 at his home.

Gene was born on August 6, 1931 in Davis, West Virginia to Marshall and Viola (Lockery) Cassady.

Gene married Mickey Ionides September 3, 1953 in Grand Rapids. They enjoyed 43 years together before her passing in 1996.

Gene proudly served his country for four years in the US Navy until his honorable discharge in 1952 as a First Class Petty Officer.
His entire world revolved around his family and his work. He started working part time in the early 60’s with Fosters Market in Grand Rapid, Michigan, behind the meat counter, while working for Steelcase and then moved into management when Fosters opened their store in Lake City. At that time, Gene moved his family to Lake City in 1969.
He still remained active in the business; working two nights a week during his retirement years.
Twenty five years ago Gene also started a small welding business on the side; it grew into a thriving business called “Genes Inland Marina”, where he still remained active.
Gene’s million dollar smile and friendly word will be remembered and sadly missed by everybody who met him.

He is survived by his children: Gene Cassady of Traverse City, Debra (Dennis) Shrontz, Pamela (Jim) Essenburg, Joe (Jill) Cassady and Cindy (Paul) Clark all of Grand Rapids and 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and special friend, Janet Wheeler.
Gene is also survived by a brother, Harold (Phyllis) Cassady of Grand Rapids and two sisters, Gladys Rains and Arveda Helmick, both of Ohio. Also surviving him is a sister in law, Effie Coburn and family of Newaygo and brother in law, Jim (Edith) Betreas of Grand Rapids.
Gene also shared a special bond with nieces, Patty and Pammy.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leonard.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Young Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Siler officiating. A time of visitation will begin at 12:00 noon until service time. Military Honors will be conducted by the Cadillac Area Honor Guard.
Burial will take place in the Grandville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Legion Post #300 in Lake City.

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