David R. Cass

May 30, 1947 ~ May 6, 2025

David (Dave) R. Cass, 77, of The Villages in Florida, formerly of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by loved ones on the morning of Tuesday, May 6th at the Ocala Regional Hospital in Ocala, Florida.

Dave was born on May 30, 1947, in South Bend to Elmer I. and Kathryn E. (Parsons) Cass. After graduating high school, he went on to serve proudly in the US Army stationed in Augsburg, Germany earning his mechanics badge and National Defense Service Medal. Upon his honorable discharge he returned home and became a machinist and union rep. He retired after 27 years from Dodge Manufacturing Co. in Mishawaka. On January 3, 1969, he married Nancy J. Engle. They shared almost 50 loving years together and welcomed two sons, Chris & Tim, before her passing in 2018. He went on to find love again and committed himself to his loving partner of 5 years, Cynthia Bechill. He was a member of the Bowlers Country Club in South Bend and also a member of American Legion Post 357 and later Post 347 in Lady Lake, FL. He loved to watch the Chicago Cubs & Detroit Tigers, Notre Dame & Lions Football. He enjoyed his life in The Villages golfing 4 times a week, playing in his joker & euchre card clubs, dancing in the town squares, and listening to classic rock music on his antique tube stereos, collecting old records; but, not as much as spending time with his family and friends which was his favorite past-time.

Dave is survived by his loving partner, Cynthia (Cindy) Bechill, his two sons; Christopher D. (Lindsay) Cass and Timothy R. (Tia) Cass, both of South Bend and bonus children:  Susie, Lynn, Shannon, Erin, Bill and his ‘fur’ baby Stella. Dave was the proud grandfather of Sam, Christa and Ben Cass, and bonus grandchildren: Addison, Colton, Laken, Emma, Paulie, Billy, Alaina, Kyleigh, Adam, Kaitlin, Lauren, Andrew, Brandon & Kyle. He is also survived by his sisters, Sue (Larry) Keeley, of College Station, Texas, Luci (Sam) Brown of South Bend, and Charline (Leo) Darts of Indianapolis, brother, Steve Cass of Elkhart, sister-in law Sandy (Duane) Bourdon of Vandalia, MI and brother-in-law Paul (Mary) Engle of Bloomington, IN and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nancy Jean Engle Cass, his brother Louis Cass and sister Kathryn (Jane) Cass.

As per David’s wishes direct cremation is to take place. A private family service will take place at a later date where he will be reunited with his wife. Hanley and Sons Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements and wish to extend deepest sympathies to all of David’s family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of David R. Cass may be made to American Legion 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Rd, Lady Lake, FL 32159.

5/10/2025 djb

https://www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com/obituary/David-Cass