Richard J. Case

Mr. Richard J. Case, of Bay City, passed away peacefully with his children by his side after courageously battling a lengthy illness on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at Independence Village in Midland, age 86. The son of the late Guy and Harriet (Axel) Case, he was born on February 6, 1931 in Saginaw. Dick graduated from Arthur Hill High School. He then joined the U.S. Navy, serving in Korea as an anti-aircraft gunner aboard the U.S.S. New Jersey. He was also a member of the U.S. Navy Band. Dick was the first ever recipient of a Masters of Music Education from Central Michigan College (CMU). He was a music instructor for 30 years in Michigan, primarily at Kolb Elementary and then worked for many years with Marshall Music, traveling throughout Michigan fitting children for their first instruments. Dick was a longstanding member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as an usher and musician. Dick was leader of The Dick Case Dance Band, founding member of the Band called The Four Jacks and most recently leader of Dick Case & Friends, performing at various local venues including the Waterfall Park at the end of Third Street, Bay City. He was a kind and gentle soul, loved to sail, and was an avid walker, no matter the weather. But more than anything, music and family were truly his life.
On September 22, 1956, Dick married the former Barbara L. Hurd and she preceded him in death on June 26, 2000. He is survived by three children, Dave (Maureen) Case of Saginaw, Cindy (Pat) Emerine of Evergreen, CO and Charlie Case of Bay City; two grandchildren, Michelle (Tony) Serra and Hillary Case; a great-grandson, Greyson Serra; a brother, Bill (Jody) Case of Grass Valley, CA; a sister, Susie (John) Rush of Saginaw; a brother-in-law, Dick Hurd of Flint; an Aunt, Pat Scott of Lombard, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be Rev. Matthew Schramm. Graveside interment will follow at Elm Lawn Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Navy and the Bay County Veterans Council. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Mr. Case will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Bay Area Community Foundation: Dick Case Memorial Fund. www.gephartfuneralhome.com
"What Would The World Be Like Without Music?" Dick Case