Michael Caswell

Michael Caswell, 74, passed away on February 3, 2025, from cancer, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife, sister-in-law, and his two loyal basset hounds. Mike was born on November 16, 1950, in Muskegon, Michigan. After graduating from high school, he joined the Army and spent 20 years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist. He earned a Bronze Star for his courageous service in Vietnam. After retiring, Mike and his wife Jerri and Mike’s two sons moved to San Diego. Over the next few decades, Mike worked supervised the clearing of former military firing ranges and ran a successful handyman business. In his “spare time,” he and Jerri started the Basset Hound Rescue of San Diego, a non-profit organization that rescued and rehomed over 400 bassets over its 20- year operation. 

Mike never met a stranger and enjoyed imparting (or torturing) us with bad dad jokes and puns. He never turned anyone down who asked him for help. He helped care for his mother-in-law, Nan, by doing repairs around her house that typically included drilling holes in walls or floors. 

In 2017, the Caswells moved and settled in St. James. He loved fishing and deer hunting, although Jerri believes he enjoyed planning and setting up deer stands more than the actual hunt. 

Most recently, Mike worked as a staff member at the St. James Veterans Home and took tinkering to the next level. 

Mike is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jerri Caswell; sons Robert and Andrew; sister Sue Herwyer (Buck); brother John (Deb); sister-in-law, Esther Ewell; brothers-in-law John Schwartz (Julie) and Mark Schwartz; dear friend Deborah Scott, numerous nieces and nephews, and bassets Sherman and Fiona.

The Caswell family wishes to thank the great staff at Phelps Hospital, the Oncology doctors and nurses at St. Louis Uni hospital, Haven House of St. Louis, Dr. Kim at Forum Dental, and the Veterans Home of St. James.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on April 27, 2025, at the Nelson Hart Community Hall, St. James, between 11-2. Please bring your favorite memory of Mike to write down or share.