Everett Edward "Ed" Bolin Jr.'s Obituary
Everett Edward “Ed” Bolin Jr., age 83, of Casey, IL passed away at 3:25 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Heartland Nursing and Rehabilitation, Casey, IL. He was born on October 21, 1942, in Terre Haute, IN, the son of Everett Edward Bolin Sr. and Opal Marie (McGrew) Bolin.
Ed spent the early years of his childhood in Terre Haute, IN. In 1954 the family spent a year in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the Navajo Reservation. Then, in 1955, the family made the move to Casey, IL where Bolin’s Garage was established by Ed’s father. When he was old enough, Ed’s first job was working with his dad in the body shop. He would use those skills for the rest of his life on countless restorations and design projects.
Ed was a member of Casey High School Class of 1961. On October 5, 1963, he married Judy Kay Whitling at Willis Chapel in Casey, IL. Over the years they built a wonderful family and a successful business together. Ed’s life was full with several years touring local churches singing tenor with the Commandment Quartet; side projects like restoring buildings downtown to house new businesses; creating magical Christmas memories with house lights, street decoration, and parade entries; serving as Mayor of Casey; and finding new ways to spoil grandchildren.
Ed was artistic, creative, and naturally gifted at understanding the complexities of anything mechanical. If something was broken, he could fix it and typically find a way to give it an upgrade. Ed was a true and loyal friend. He was a very giving man with a heart for those in need, and he was incredibly generous with those he loved.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years, Judy Bolin of Casey, IL; sons, James “Jim” Bolin (Diane) of Casey, IL and Troy Bolin of Casey, IL; grandchildren, Jessica Prater (Troy) of Lebanon, TN, Madison Smith (Tristen) and their children, Indigo and Atlas of Ashland City, TN, Drew Bolin (Maurah) and their children Jameson, Merritt, and Winslet of Casey, IL; Mollie Bolin (Bain Obermark) of Ashland City, TN, and Macy Gilbert (Ethan) of Casey, IL expecting baby boy Gilbert in June; siblings, Sharon Finney (Rev. Ray) of Casey, IL, Dianna Hammond (Rev. Eddie) of Casey, IL, Frank Bolin (Ginger) of Terre Haute, IN, and Darla Hammond (Fred) of Westfield, IL, brothers in law, George Whitling of Oakland, IL and Harold Whitling (Mary Ellen) of Casey, IL, several nephews and nieces, his Church family and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, PFC Danny Lee Bolin, Lee Edward Bolin, Kenneth “Kenny” Ray Bolin, sister, Carol Sue Bolin, and sister in law, Charlene Whitling.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Markwell Funeral Home with Rev. Eddie Hammond officiating. Burial will follow in the Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. prior to the service at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave, Casey, IL.
Ed was a member of Moriah Church. If you wish to make a memorial gift, donations may be made to the Moriah Church, 4890 N 370th St., Casey, IL 62420, to continue his legacy of supporting the church.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit https://www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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