Donor of OTC Lebanon Center facilities passes away

Mary Lou Casey, who, along with her husband, Reuben, donated the buildings and land that make up Ozarks Technical Community College’s Lebanon Center, has passed away following a short illness. She was 84 years old.

“Mrs. Casey has been a friend to OTC, and has invested a great deal in the education of the Lebanon area community,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College. “We are saddened at the news of her passing, and we are thankful for her support and her contribution to the college.”

Reuben and Mary Lou Casey have operated a warehousing company in San Clemente, Calif., since the late 1970’s. They completed two buildings in Lebanon, Mo., in 2007. In 2009, due to changes in the economy, they began searching for an education institution to which they could donate the buildings. They chose OTC after the college presented the couple with a thorough plan for how it would use the facilities.

“In the time since they presented their gift to OTC, I have had several opportunities to visit Mr. and Mrs. Casey and spend time with them at their home in California,” said Cliff Davis, vice chancellor for Advancement | Student Affairs | Workforce Development and executive director of the OTC Foundation. “I have enjoyed getting to know this remarkable couple, and I will miss Mrs. Casey.”

Mr. and Mrs. Casey donated the two buildings and more than 13 acres of land to OTC in 2009. The property is the largest gift the college has ever received. OTC Lebanon Center’s Casey Hall is named after the couple.