William John Casement, Lt Col (Retired) USAF – January 22, 2024

December 20, 1951 – January 22, 2024

Lieutenant Colonel William J. Casement, US Air Force (Ret) of Fort Worth, TX, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 in Houston, TX, after a long bout with pancreatic cancer.

Bill was a proud graduate of the US Air Force Academy, class of 1974. His 23-year Air Force career afforded him opportunities to serve the country he loved, travel the world, and develop lifelong friendships. He was an outstanding aviator who held positions as instructor and evaluator in a wide variety of aircraft including the B-52, RF-4, and KC-135. Bill was recognized by the Customs Service for his efforts in joint counternarcotics enforcement when his unit helped with a record drug seizure in the south Pacific. He served as Operations Officer and Commander of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Operations Squadron at Hickam AFB, HI, where he spent the last eight years of his Air Force career.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Bill continued his passion for aviation, flying in the S-340B, L-1011, B-737, B-747, DC-10 and in the A-320 and as an instructor for American Airlines. He was a mentor to many aspiring pilots. His legacy lives on in the profound impact he made on those who knew and loved him.

He valued education and learning as well as teaching and training, pursuing them in his professional and personal lives. Bill earned a Master’s of Science in Systems Management from University of Southern California. He was an adjunct faculty member at Hawaii Pacific University. Bill delighted in learning about pretty much everything and possessed an incredible memory. He could recognize the voice of a classmate he hadn’t seen or spoken to in twenty years.

Bill never met a stranger. He invested in relationships and people, whether striking up a long conversation with the postal clerk or sharing stories with his friends, acquaintances, and family across the country and globe. Bill always had a story. He had a distinctive, infectious laugh you could hear across a crowded room.

Bill was a man of integrity. He exemplified unwavering commitment to duty, honor, country and family. His strong moral character was a guiding light throughout his life. He loved life passionately, embracing each moment. In the face of adversity, he fought with incredible strength during cancer, demonstrating the same resilience that marked his military career.

Bill also had an affinity for sports. He was an avid marathoner and triathlete, finishing a Half Ironman. He loved tennis, hockey, sailing and The Yankees–even through their lean years. Exemplifying his mantra, “Lost opportunities never return”, he never missed out on an opportunity to dance. His greatest love was skiing, and he skied at every opportunity. A few times he came close to skiing his age—skiing as many days in a season as his age.

Bill was extraordinarily proud of his beloved family and their achievements. Terry, his wife of 49 ½ years, is a concert violinist. His daughter, Marie, is an Operations Manager for a financial institution, and his youngest daughter, Janice, is an Emergency Room Physician.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Bill is survived by his brothers, Tom (Jane) and Jim (Chris) of NY, and his sister, Marianne Minda (Larry) of NJ.