David Eugene Causey's Obituary
David Eugene Causey passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at home on April 11, 2026, at 8:28 PM. He was 87 years old and succumbed to complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was born on August 30, 1938, in Decatur, Illinois to his parents Clarence and Geneva (Smith) Causey. If you asked him where he was born, he would tell you, the northeast bedroom, a typical baffling Causey answer.
Dave attended school in Decatur and was a member of the first graduating class of Eisenhower High School in 1958. He developed an interest and love for music at a very young age after being introduced to the ukulele by his good friend Donnie Fishburn. He had a long musical history in Decatur fronting Decatur’s first rock and roll band, The Headhunters in the 50’s, to the Trombones who played dates with the Elvis Presley band and to being the rhythm guitarist and vocalist for the popular dance band The Blue Notes into the 70’s. Dave spent his days working for the City of Decatur’s Lake Division, most notably leading the rock slinging crew that rip rapped the lakeshore. After 34 years of dedicated service to the city, he retired in 2001 and spent his days doing what he loved most – spending time at his boat dock on Lake Decatur, playing his guitar, antique shopping, and rendezvous camping with some of his closest friends, the Prairieland Frontiersmen, the Pana Historical Society, and the Roger’s Rangers.
Words on paper will never be able to capture the essence of Dave Causey. He was known for being a rebel. Dave was a self-proclaimed nonconformist who proudly went against the grain of modern society. Dave took pride in his vast amount of common sense and ability to solve problems quickly in traditional ways. He undoubtedly leaves behind a legacy in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know and love him.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dale (Jane) Causey of Springboro, Ohio and sister Merle (Henry) Peterson of Rantoul, Illinois.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 A.M. Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Decatur where Dave accepted Jesus Christ into his heart as his Lord and Savior. Funeral service will be at the church following the visitation. He will be laid to rest next to his father in Graceland Cemetery in Decatur immediately following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, Dave would appreciate a donation in his honor to Trump 2028.
Condolences and memories may be shared online at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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