In loving memory
Jonathan Casey Henley
October 24, 1994 — October 11, 2026
“I just want to be remembered when I’m gone… someone heard my story, learned of my fight, felt the need to pass it on.”
— Casey, from his poem “Gone”
Obituary
Jonathan Casey Henley, affectionately known as Casey, passed away on October 11, 2026, at the age of 31.
Casey grew up sharing a close bond with his brothers, Bobby and Little Roy. As a child, he was very bright in school and enjoyed being part of the wrestling team alongside his best friend, Alec. He also enjoyed paintballing and was known for taking part in wild and adventurous stunts with his friends.
Growing up, those who knew Casey knew him for his fearless spirit. He was never one to shy away from a good fight and wasn’t afraid to stand his ground or speak his mind.
Although Casey could be quiet and introverted at times, he loved his friends and family dearly and never hesitated to express himself when something mattered to him.
As Casey grew older, he developed a deep passion for writing and poetry, finding comfort and self-expression through the power of words. Through his writing, he hoped to inspire others, bring awareness to mental health, and help those facing their own struggles feel less alone.
Casey was a huge Dragon Ball Z fan and was known to always have a Lego or something in his hands to fidget with. He also shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Ted, who held a special place in his heart.
Casey was preceded in death by his best friend, Alec Hoffman; his grandparents, Mary and Jerry Dobson; and his grandmother, Charlene.
Originally published by Heartland Cremation & Burial Society
Why he wrote
Casey wrote constantly — poems, songs, and letters filled notebook after notebook. In My True Purpose, he said what all of it was for: helping anyone who helps themselves, and fighting evil and injustice against innocents. He wrote through pain he rarely spoke out loud, and he hoped his words would reach someone who needed them.
This page carries that hope forward. His words are here, free, for anyone who wants to listen — and if they move you, you can give in his name to the work he cared about: help for people living with mental illness, and for families who have lost someone the way his family lost him.
Casey’s Words — Read Aloud
48 recordings · free
His poems and writings, read aloud in full — the collection his family gathered from his notebooks. It is offered free, as his gift, to anyone who wants to hear him.
Listen to the albumHis writings
Every poem and piece transcribed from his notebooks, in the order his family gathered them. His words, exactly as he wrote them.
Read his writingsCasey, growing up
Pictures from his family, from little boy to young man.
A song for Casey
“STILL” by Crowder, with Zach Williams — press play and listen right here.
“Wait for Me” by Zach Williams — press play and listen right here.
Music Casey loved
The artists he listened to — press play and hear what he heard.
Eminem
Spotify
One of the artists Casey listened to.
Listen on SpotifyBest-known songs: Lose Yourself · Without Me · Mockingbird
Juice WRLD
Spotify
One of the artists Casey listened to.
Listen on SpotifyBest-known songs: Lucid Dreams · All Girls Are the Same · Robbery
Lil Peep
Spotify
One of the artists Casey listened to.
Listen on SpotifyBest-known songs: Star Shopping · Save That Shit · Awful Things
Give in Casey’s name
Both organizations accept gifts in memory of a loved one. Your donation goes directly to the charity — it never passes through the family.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI
Support, education, and advocacy for people living with mental illness and the families who stand beside them. On NAMI’s giving page, you can make your gift a tribute in Casey’s memory.
Donate to NAMIAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention
AFSP
Research, education, and support for those affected by suicide. AFSP’s memorial giving page lets you donate in memory or honor of a loved one.
Donate to AFSPEach button takes you to the charity’s own secure donation page.
If you are struggling, or worried about someone you love, you are not alone.
Call or text 988
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — free, confidential, 24 hours a day.