Clarence "Casey" Rost

Clarence "Casey" Rost Rost, Clarence Fredrick “Casey,” age 100, died peacefully on April 13, 2019, surrounded by his family at Fox Run Retirement Community in Novi. Casey was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Roberta Harris Rost. He was the loving father of Thomas (Nancy) Rost, Roberta (David) Raass and David (Jean) Rost. He was the dear grandfather of Matthew Rost (Mary Beth), Heidi Raass Spencer (William), Nicole Rost Shook (Garett), Holly Raass Miller (Justin), Michael Rost ( fiancee' Lily) and Amy Rost Henkle (Richard). Casey was the cherished great grandfather of 17, including: Audrey and Aaron Rost, Lauren, Samuel, and Thomas Spencer, Kaden, Harris, Wyatt, Liam, Brody and Gunnar Shook, Zachary, Timothy, Leah and Tobias Miller, Calvin and Oliver Henkle. Born April 27, 1918, in Muscatine, Iowa, Casey attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, and later graduated with an engineering degree from Iowa State University. As part of the "greatest generation," Casey served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then worked as an engineer in Columbus, Ohio, before relocating with his wife to Michigan. In Detroit, Casey worked at and later owned and operated R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes for 40 years, having taken over the family business from his father-in-law—the founder of R. G. & G. R. Harris Funeral Homes. Casey was well known for saying "The Lord is fantastic," and he truly loved Jesus, his family, and his friends with his whole heart. An avid golfer, boater, woodworker, handyman, gardener and hunter, he enjoyed lending a helping hand to anyone who needed his "handyman" services. As a 90-year-old, Casey still played 18 holes of golf, volunteered regularly at Fox Run Retirement Community, served his church family, and he even helped his grandchildren paint and complete house projects at the age of 95! Casey was a member of Highland Park Baptist Church for 75 years, where he and his wife served as active members and hospitality leaders for the Christian Partners Sunday School Class. Later, as a snowbird in Florida, Casey regularly attended First Baptist Church in Naples. Casey and Roberta traveled to every state in the U.S. and visited more than 70 countries together. Casey was a member of the Detroit Golf Club, the Engineering Society of Detroit, the Westtown Lions Club and served as the past president of Preferred Funeral Directors, International. Casey was loved by many and left a lasting legacy—always pointing others to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He will truly be missed. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, from 3 – 8 pm Harris Funeral Homes in Livonia, 15451 Farmington Rd. Memorial contributions may be directed to Alliance Defending Freedom, 15100 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ. 85260. Please share a memory of Casey on his Tribute Wall.