OTC-Lebanon donor dies

Mary Lou Casey, who along with her husband provided the largest donation to Ozarks Technical Community College in the school's history, died Oct. 7 of cancer. She was 83.

Mary Lou and Reuben Casey, of San Clemente, Calif., in 2010 gave OTC two buildings and 13 acres of land, a donation valued at $2.6 million. The gift allowed OTC to expand its Lebanon campus, and the college named the Casey Hall education building after the couple. The Caseys decided to donate the buildings and land because of a Rotary Club relationship to the former director of OTC's education center in Lebanon, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

"Mrs. Casey has been a friend to OTC and has invested a great deal in the education of the Lebanon area community. We are saddened at the news of her passing, and we are thankful for her support and her contribution to the college," OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon said in a news release.

Casey, who was born in Oklahoma, moved to California after the beginning of World War II. She married Reuben Casey in 1947 and gained wealth through their company, San Clemente-based Casey Business Properties. A memorial service was held this weekend in California, according to an obituary posted on the website of Lesneski Mortuary.