Paul Stephen Casarez
June 26, 1954 ~ February 27, 2025
Paul Stephen Casarez, aged 70, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. Born to Pablo and Joann Casarez on June 26, 1954, Paul's indomitable spirit and joy for life touched everyone who knew him, especially his siblings Pamela, David, Brenda, and Phillip.
After graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, Paul embarked on a rewarding career starting with Olin Chemical in Charleston, TN, and finishing as an independent safety consultant with Process Improvement Institute. His keen intellect and problem-solving abilities made him a respected figure in his field. Paul's commitment to excellence was only matched by his dedication to mentorship, as he generously shared his knowledge with colleagues and newcomers alike.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Paul was a man of faith and fellowship, most recently attending the First Church of the Nazarene in Columbus, IN. His voice was a staple in church choirs and song worship wherever they lived over the years.
An avid golfer, Paul found serenity on the greens and fairways, where he also forged lasting friendships. His love for sports extended into the realm of coaching, where he became a beloved figure to many youths. Paul's encouragement and guidance helped shape the lives of countless young athletes, instilling in them the values of teamwork, discipline, and fair play.
Perhaps Paul's most cherished role was that of Executive Director of the Indian Lake Nazarene Camp in Vicksburg, MI. There, he worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for children, youth, and families. His leadership and vision transformed the camp into a haven for spiritual growth and community building.
Paul's devotion to his family was unparalleled. As a loving husband to Carol, father to Corbin and Kevin, and grandfather to Leia and Aria, he was the cornerstone of his family, offering unwavering support and boundless affection. His legacy lives on in the cherished memories and the strong family bonds that he nurtured throughout his life.
Per his wishes, no services are planned. A private burial will take place at a later date in Hastings, Michigan.
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I only knew Paul for a short time. I knew from the minute I introduced myself to him , he was a man of God. Sometimes I don’t understand why God takes someone who gives so much and loves so much too, but I have learned to trust Gods will. I will miss him, but I know he wouldn’t come back if he could! He is finally home! We will continue to love on Carol!
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Carol and family; I am so sorry for your loss. I know he is celebrating around the throne with other loved ones.
Paul was a very interesting man. I loved going to your house and you all coming to ours to play games, eat and fellowship.
You all mean so much to me. I remember bringing my daughter to your house when the dr. told me that she would not walk nor live long. Carol, you took her in your arms so I could cry. We talked and prayed. I left and went home to prepare supper. You called me and said to go look at Monica. She was in the playpen beside me cooking. You said that Paul had been praying and God said that she would walk and for me to watch her. At that time, she got up and walked across the playpen.
You two mean so much to me. Love you. Please reach out if you need anything.
Anita Adkins
I have known Paul since the fall of 1976. Paul and Carol shared their home with me for a short period of time but that began a long, deep relationship of friendship. I love Paul and Carol and they are part of the family I have chosen for myself. Paul was a brother to me as well as a “Gentle Giant”.
Always lending a helping hand and the first to volunteer when his skills
were required or necessary.
Always ready with advice when needed but never arrogant or pushy.
Always knowledgeable about any topic of conversation but never boastful.
Always ready to stick his neck out for something or someone he believed
in, without anticipating anything in return.
Always willing to invest in people without bias to age or skill.
Always ready to serve others, but never expecting a favor in return.
Always a problem solver but never wanting any credit for his contributions.
Always ready to love his family and love them well.
He was the real deal! He proudly stood firm in his passion for God, church and his family. Paul will be greatly missed and leaves behind a great void but he finished the race and finished it well. We pray and offer words of support to Carol, Kevin, Pablo, Paul’s siblings, and their families in their season of loss. Our hearts both grieve and celebrate Paul’s life. He was a gift in the journey called life and a true “Gentle Giant”.
I met Paul in 1982 at Olin Chemicals. We worked in different departments, but our paths crossed a few times. I started a consulting company in 2003 and a mutual friend from Olin, Mickey Norsworthy (he was an ex-boss of me and later of Paul) came to work with me a few years later. We needed to add experienced staff a few years after, and Mickey recommended Paul. Wow. Paul was a solid engineer who thought through business issues well. Paul and I worked together then for about 11 years. Paul was great. You could give him the toughest assignment and he made every one of them a success. He was intelligent, hardworking, tough minded, and never bent on work ethics or the quality of the deliverable. He was a shining example of a Godly man. He had the best laugh … a huge laugh (he had no volume control, as everyone knows). I could share many stories from the last eleven years that illustrate how impressive Paul was. I was lucky enough to have Paul as a friend and a valued partner in work. He finished his last task just 4 months ago… again, Wow! All of us at PII will miss him greatly! He is finally home with God. May God bless and comfort all of his family and friends.
No more cancer Paul!
We’re sorry for the loss of a great Christian hubby to Carol, and dad to Kevin and Corbin. The Griffin’s have been friends with the Casarez’s since the 80’s when then moved to Joliet for a few years. A friendship that never quit even with the miles and years in between. I will miss your friendship, Paul, but we will be together again.
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So hard to believe Carol. Paul was a man of great faith and Mark and I always loved his keen insight in our Sunday School class at Tyner. He also had a beautiful tenor voice in our choir. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. I know you take comfort in knowing he is with Jesus now.
It has been a privilege to welcome Paul and Carol into our church family. Their love for God and one another was so evident. Paul had such knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and I loved to hear his thinking. Paul fought the good fight, he finished the race and he has received his rewards and now is made whole. Carolyn Smith