Former Senator Harold Caskey Dies

Former Senator Harold Caskey, from Butler, died today at the age of 77. Earlier this week, he was life flighted to Shawnee Mission Hospital after having some breathing issues.

Senator Caskey was a Democrat Senator from 1976 until 2000. Caskey served the counties of Bates, Cass, Henry, Johnson, St. Clair and Vernon Counties. Senator Caskey won the seat after William Cason chose to run for Governor in 1976 and won the seat as a Democrat.

He served on various committees, including the Agriculture, Conservation, Parks and Natural Resources, Education and Judiciary and Civle and Criminal Jurisprudence, Joint Committee on Legislative Research, Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bioterrorism and Homeland Security and the Ways and Means Committee.

Gov. Jay Nixon issued the following statement regarding the death today of former state Sen. Harold Caskey:

“Throughout his life, Harold Caskey was a true champion for the people of west-central Missouri and for working men and women all across our state. As a state senator, Harold’s leadership and depth of legislative knowledge had a real and positive impact on the lives of his constituents and helped guide many of his colleagues, including me during my six years in the Senate. Demonstrating that he would not let the loss of his sight keep him from continuing to serve the state that he loved so much, even during his later years Harold continued to be a strong advocate for Missourians who are blind or visually impaired. Harold’s intelligence, sense of humor and dedication to public service inspired us all. My thoughts and prayers, as well as those of the First Lady, are with Kay and all the members of their family.

Caskey was named the 1997 State Official of the Year by the General Council of Industries for the Blind.