William "Casey" F. Laman

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
5-7 p.m.
Service Schedule
Park Hill Baptist Church
Pine and C Street
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
10 a.m.
Cemetery
Roselawn Cemetery
2801 Asher
Little Rock, AR  72204
Memorial Contributions
William F. Laman Library
2801 Orange Street
North Little Rock, AR  72114


Arkansas Baptist Children Homes
P.O. Box 552
Little Rock, AR  72203
William "Casey" F. Laman

of North Little Rock, AR

October 20, 1913 - April 16, 2012

William F. ''Casey'' Laman of North Little Rock, ''the man who built a city,'' died April 16, 2012 at the age of 98. He was born October 20, 1913 between Jacksonville and Cabot, AR, to Anna and Jim Laman and moved to North Little Rock when he was 3 years old.
After Casey worked his way through college, he ran Laman Furniture Company until he was 28 when he was drafted into the Army Air Corps, where he served as a radio operator on a B-17. At the conclusion of WWII, he returned to work at the furniture store and served on the North Little Rock School Board for nine years.
At the age of 47 his life took a different direction when he read a sign that said, ''NLR: A City Without Bonded Indebtedness.'' He realized the sign had two too many words. His city was a ''City Without.'' He set out to change the face of North Little Rock. He ran for mayor and served as the city's mayor for 16 ½ years.
Always at his side, Arlene, his beloved wife of 63 years, gave him strength, encouragement, and support in their marriage and his endeavors for a better city. Casey ''did not follow where a path led. He went where there was no path and left a trail.'' Some of his accomplishments as Mayor include building three high-rises for the elderly, three recreation centers, a Police and ''Courts building, NLR's first hospital, first animal shelter, five fire stations, a new library, an instant parks program for children, a new health building, and a new sanitation building. He created the city's first sewer and planning commission, led efforts to purchase the Water Department for the city, initiated the city's Urban Renewal Program, and the Neighborhood Youth Corps. He led efforts to develop Burns Park, which includes a 27 hole golf course, 11 pavilions, 6 lighted tennis courts, a Girl and Boy Scouts' campout area, a children's zoo, an amusement center, bike trail, archery range, campsite, 16 baseball fields and soccer fields. He cleared the city of slums, including one of the biggest ones behind the seawall near the Arkansas river, paved many streets, hired the first horticulturist to help beautify the city and its parks, and led several other beautification and clean-up programs.
He was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church and is survived by his loving family, a daughter and son-in-law Christy and Dr. Eugene Simon, and his grandchildren, Chad Simon, Kendall Young (Justin), and Casey Simon (Amy), and his great-grandchildren, Anna and Owen Simon and Jack and Luke Young all of North Little Rock.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, (501-791-7400), 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Park Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Luke Flesher. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, Little Rock, AR.
The family would like to thank the VA Health Care System for all its compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to William F. Laman Library, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock, AR 72114 or Arkansas Baptist Children's Homes, P.O. Box 552 Little Rock, AR 72203


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32 Condolence(s)
Nancy FUGATE Parker
Corpus Christi, TX
Liked
Tuesday, May 24, 2022

I hope you receive this message, Christy. I tried to find you on FB but couldn't. I was going through my Mother's (June Fugate) old Mahjong set today and found your Mother's play card. I think it is her handwriting on the card and I thought you might want it. I hope this message finds you well. You can reach me at 361-960-5044 if for no other reason than to catch up after 60 years!!! Thanks! Nancy

Anna Simon
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Even though he died almost 10 years ago I just got around to reading his obituary and oh my goodness he lived such an interesting life. I’ve pretty much only heard stories of him from his daughter(Christy Simon) and his grandson, my father (Casey simon).

Rick Shelby
North Little Rock,
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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Christy, I was so sorry to learn of your dad's death. I only learned of it accidentally just recently and felt that I had omitted a very serious obligation. Casey was not just a friend but a family friend whom I grew up knowing and respecting. He was a giant in this city and was loved by everyone, even the people who never met him and knew him only by the office that he held. He was approachable and responsive to the citizens of this city, something we never saw before and haven't seen since. I passed by you and your husband in Kroger's a few months back and was in such a hurry that I did not speak. Now I wonder if that was after Casey's death. If so that makes my omission doubly regretful. Please accept my condolences and forgiveness.

Lynn Warren
Little Rock, AR
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Friday, June 22, 2012

I just discovered that Mr. Laman has passed away and I wanted to send my belated condolences.

I met him while I was researched 'his' Live Oak tree and he was the most delightful man!

I am preparing a presentation on some of our state historic trees for a conference next week and his tree (and him) are one of the trees I will be talking about! He was such an example of determination and how a special tree made a difference in his life and he carried that over into the life of the city that he served as mayor over.

His life was such an example of Margaret Mead's quote: "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

The conference is on 'How trees grow communities' and his tree and his actions are a good example of that to other communities!

I am honored to have met him and to help honor his tree that meant so much to him and his relationship with his wife.

Vickie Witt Dunn
Cordova, TN
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Christy, I was so sorry to hear about your dad. Sending my prayers and condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

Janet Bond Rexroad
Houston, TX
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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Christy, sincere condolences to you and your family. What a long and wonderful life he had. Not many of us will be able to say we made the kind of difference to so many lives as he did.

Jackie Paine Parker and family (Susie, Janet, Judy & Steve)
Little Rock,
Liked
Thursday, April 19, 2012

As children I would go swimming with Casey at his parent's lake house and remember it fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.

Dale Johnson
Jacksonville, AR
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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Christy so sorry to hear about your dad, I so often have had many good thoughts about him as I read what"s happening in NLR. Most are additions to what he began. I know you will miss him but as we know he is now in a better place free of pain and suffering.
Sorry I could not make visitation or the service due to other commentments.
Dale Johnson and Karen Johnson

Norman Clifton
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR
Liked
Thursday, April 19, 2012

What a great loss we have suffered, what a great hole remains.
There will never be another Casey, they broke the mold.
Casey appointed me to my first city commission, of which has been long standing.
He was a great source of encouragemnt, strength, determination, and always ready with a story or solution to any problem that arose.
It was my great pleasure to have called him my friend, and know i was one of his.
Alot of valuable life lessons I learned from him, I still practice today.
Casey stole my wife, Shirley's heart, on the first meeting of her, and he has also shared stories with her.
Our prayers go out to the family at this time.

Ted Douglas
Turrialba,
Liked
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

I have never known a more dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Mayor Laman was one of the greatest public servants ever elected to office in Arkansas. He gave his heart, mind, body and sole to NLR. There will NEVER be another Mayor like Casey Laman. It was an honor to have known him and called him my friend.

Carol Huber
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Condolences to the Laman family. I remember sharing a conversation with Casey & Arlene at a holiday party for the Laman Library staff and board. He was a great conversationalist, and had our table enthralled with his tales. He will be missed.

Irene Sanders
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

I had a lot of respect for Mr. Laman he was very caring and inspiring man. I last visited with him a month ago and I'm so glad that I did. He will always be fondly remembered by me and my family. Irene Sanders and Family

Dorothy Mae Wilkins Warren
Higden, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

With Sympathy, Love and Prayers. Sadness fills my heart but what wonderful memories. Due to illness, I am unable to attend. God Bless All.

Travis Holmes
Maumelle, AR
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Wow!!! What a great person and city leader. He was one of a kind. I was privileged to meet him at a very early age when my stepfather was head of the sanitation department and close friend to Mayor Laman. He was a great supporter of the NLR football team of 1966 and will be remembered as a leader who cared for a city which was on the rise. Kudo's to a great man.

ANDY SACREY
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A SAD FAREWELL TO THE ONLY REAL MAYOR THAT NORTH LITTLE ROCK EVER HAD. GOODBYE HIZZONER
ANDY SACREY AND FAMILY

pat fewell
n.l.r., AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

SHELBY AND I REALLY LOVED CASEY. HE WAS SHELBY'S COUSIN AND WAS A GOOD PERSON. OUR BLESSINGS FOR YOUR LOSS .

Darby and Dudley Blair
North Little Rock,, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Christy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a good and caring man and a credit to North Little Rock! My parents, (John and LaRue Cook) thought the world of he and your mother, as do Dudley and I. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and this comes with our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy.
Darby and Dudley Blair

Mike Hogue
Fort Smith, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I am so, so sorry for your loss. Your dad saved my life and your mom changed my diaper many, many years ago.
We were down at your swimming area and Casey and, I think Windle Price, were in a boat going fishing. I was probably 8 or 9. I was in the water following them out when I went beyond the step off and panicked and went under. Your dad jumped in and rescued me. I can remember him carrying me up to the cabin. He was a fine man and I enjoyed going be to seem him once in a while in his latter years. I wish your family the best.

Dianna Fewell Snow
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Thank you Mayor Laman for all your lifelong efforts to make North Little Rock a great city. My father was Shelby Fewell and he loved North Little Rock as I do. May you rest in peace sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Linda Leslie Ratzlaff
Troup, TX
Liked
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Christy my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time. You are so blessed to have had such a wonderful Daddy and for so many years. I feel blessed that he was in my life through all the wonderful things he did for my hometown.

Marianne B. Wilcox
Monroe, LA
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Christy, What a long wonderful long life your dad had. I remember him so well as a neighbor, the father of a dear friend, and of course, as the most innovative mayor of North Little Rock ever. He was a dynamo and a love, and Arlene was one of the greatest ladies I ever knew.

Jerri McCrary
Conway, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

What a great man! May you RIP Mayor Casey- You will be missed. May God Be with you Family and Friends. Thank you for your service to our country and the city of North Little Rock. It's not going to be the same without you.

Lana Taylor
Jacksonville, AR
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Monday, April 16, 2012

It was a great experience to have met him,and listen to some great stories..We would speak for hours at his home.He told me that his biggest accomplishment was the library being named after him..My Laman was a joy to be aroung......Lana Taylor. employee of Home Helpers..

Marilyn Willis
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Monday, April 16, 2012

My deepest sympathy to all the family. I am so grateful for all the things Casey did for our community. Glad to know he is in a better place now.

Kay Love Morris
,
Liked
Monday, April 16, 2012

Christy and Kendall,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. What a beautiful legacy he leaves through you both. He did much for our city. God bless you all and give you peace at this difficult time.

Lee Shaw
Rowlett, TX
Liked
Monday, April 16, 2012

To the Laman Family:
I worked for the City when Mayor Laman was in office.
He was a wonderful man and did so much for the City. He loved to attend Levy Day and listen to other politicians give their spill for office.

cathy rosamond davis
north little rock, AR
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Monday, April 16, 2012

r.i.p

Linda Langley
Gravel Ridge, AR
Liked
Monday, April 16, 2012

Condolences to your family. Mr. Laman is a great man... need more like him.

Reita Walker Miller
Little Rock, AR
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Monday, April 16, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, especially Christy who was a college friend. Your father did so many positive things for his community that will endure for generations. And you will always have your loving memories.

Brenda Cummins Wingfield
Little Rock, AR
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Monday, April 16, 2012

Christy, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He did so many things for North Little Rock. He truly leaves a lasting legacy to your family as well as many others. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Brenda

John Hess
NLR, AR
Liked
Monday, April 16, 2012

Christy and Family, I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Casey was such a wonderful friend to our family for many years. I have so many stories and memories as you can imagine. May Gods Peace and Love be with you and your family . John Hess & family

Janice A. Hardin
Lowell, AR
Liked
Monday, April 16, 2012

Christy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times. I pray that your good memories of your Dad and knowing that he is now with your Mother, will bring you comfort.