Carey Grant Sasek was born Aug. 14, 1956, in Fairbury, to Clarence and Arlene (Matzke) Sasek.
He attended Western Public Schools through the eighth grade and continued his education at Tri County High School, DeWitt, graduating in 1974. He attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, studying botany. On Sept. 2, 1978, he married Beverly Blair. To this union, two children were born, Dustin James and Samantha Marie. Carey worked at Travenol in Hays for eight years. They moved to Liberty, Missouri, in 1987, when Carey started working for Marion Laboratories (Sanofi), a pharmaceutical company in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked there for 30 years, doing pharmaceutical testing. They later divorced. He worked for another medical device company for six years before he retired at 66.
Carey learned farming at a young age. When he lived in Liberty, his farming was reduced to growing vegetables and flowers. Flowers became a love of his. He enjoyed growing many unusual varieties and would photograph his own or any that he came across that were beautiful. He framed many of his photos and gave them away as gifts. He created a beautiful flower garden in his front yard with maple trees that his neighbors enjoyed. He also was known for capturing those pesky animals – squirrels, possums and coons. They would eat his vegetables. He made many trips outside of the city to relocate them.
Carey made friends easily and enjoyed life. He kept in contact with many friends from his employment years and when he was sick they came and visited. Many relatives and friends from back home also visited or called Carey during his last weeks. He appreciated everyone.
One of the highlights of his life was his two children, Dustin and Samantha, whom he was so proud of. One year they gave him a dachshund dog as a gift, Sassafras, also known as Sassy, who meant everything to Carey. Then he became a proud grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren. Harper Marie (3) and Nolan Blair (1) were the twinkle in Carey’s eyes. He always lit up when he saw them or just talked of them. He wished he could have seen them grow up.
One weekend the family went fishing. Carey wanted to show them how to fish, something he always loved to do. Dustin took his dad to the casino and had a wonderful time together, rubbing his luck off on Dustin. Carey was so grateful for his daughter, Samantha, who helped him with his medical situation the last five months. They spent precious time together.
He was proud of his sisters, Carol, Arlis and Donna. He could go home to Nebraska and visit them. He knew they were always there for him to the very end. From the time he was born, they thought he was the cutest little boy they had ever seen and watched him grow up to be the kindest, fun loving, nicest looking man and were so proud of him. God took one of the best.
He is survived by a son, Dustin (Caitlin) Sasek of Gladstone, Missouri. and daughter, Samantha Sasek of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Harper and Nolan Sasek; siblings, Carol (Marion) Schmidt of Lincoln, Arlis Sasek of Lincoln, and Donna (Tom) Bartels of Beatrice; nephews, Ryan (Cathy) Filipi of Lees Summit, Missouri, Dan (Barby) Schmidt of Austin, Texas, and Tanner (Missy) Bartels of Lincoln; special aunt, Ruby Sasek of St. Louis, Missouri; and special great-nieces and nephews and many special cousins and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Arlene Sasek; grandparents, Gustav and Anna Matzke and James and Mamie Sasek; aunts and uncles; and former wife, Beverly Sasek.
Carey passed away Dec. 21, 2024, at the age of 68, after a five-month courageous battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life will be at Liberty United Methodist Church, 100 Rush Creek Pkwy in Liberty, Missouri, on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 2 – 4 p.m.
Burial will be a later date at the Plainview Cemetery in Western
