Philip Cason

SUGAR GROVE, VIRGINIA: Beloved son, beloved brother, beloved grandson, PHILIP JOHN CASON, age 21, died Saturday, August 12, 2006 in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. He was born November 20, 1984 in Smyth County, Virginia, attended Sugar Grove combined school and was a 2002 graduate of Marion Senior High School where he was a member of the Drama Club and played on the soccer team. He then attended Radford University where he was a member of the "Ultimate Frisbee Team". Philip was certified as a dive master in Puerto Morelos and lived a happy life full of travel, adventure, and love. He was loved by many, for his great heart and friendly nature. He was a friend to all. In Mexico, a reef that Philip discovered is now officially named "Philip's Reef" in his memory. During his recent visit to Virginia, Philip was able to visit with so many of his family and friends and, together with Carly, his fiancée, had decided to move back to the beloved mountains as soon as they felt ready to say "good bye" to the Mexican Caribbean, and their good friends there. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, John Early Cason. He is survived by his parents, John E. Jr., and Elizabeth Fesser Cason of Sugar Grove, Virginia; One sister, Helen Dorothy Cason of Wytheville, Virginia; His maternal grandmother, Linda Macleay Dewell of Sugar Grove, Virginia and his maternal grandfather, Jack Linwood Dewell of Ellicott City, Maryland. His paternal grandmother, Velma Martin and husband, Gerald of Virginia Beach, Virginia; His fiancée, Carly Sandoe of Radford, Virginia; Several aunts and uncles, Jack and Dora Dewell of Sugar Grove, Virginia, Ann and John Crew of Washington, North Carolina, Kristin and Sam Bell of Radford, Virginia, Carol and Henry Stacey of Charlottesville, Virginia. Cousins, Karen and Jennifer Dewell, Betty Jean, Adam, Ava, Fesser, Stuart, and Vivian Bell. A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Pastor James H. Bangle officiating. Following the service all who loved Philip are invited to join his family at the home of Jack and Dora Dewell in Sugar Grove, Virginia, and make a short hike to the hollow where Philip was christened to return his ashes to the earth. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sugar Grove Rescue Squad, c/o Carol Choate, P.O. Box 108 , Sugar Grove, Virginia 24375 or to the Nature Conservancy, in the name of Philip Cason, reference number 11374037, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, Virginia 22203.