John Reed Case, 60, passed away unexpectedly— before we were ready, leaving behind a life built on stubbornness, cold beer, and a fishing pole any chance he got.

John loved being an ironworker. He spent many years climbing stacks hundreds of feet in the air like it was just another day. Heights didn’t bother him. People sometimes did. He worked hard, said what he meant, and wasn’t great with words. But if you heard him laugh — really laugh — you never forgot it.

At the center of his world was his wife and best friend Obra Case, his “small fry” or “little WiFi,” the nickname that somehow said everything, without him having to get sentimental about it. In the last several years, the two of them worked side by side as construction flagging partners with Carbon County Road Department, which suited them just fine. They were a team and enjoyed those days together with their coworkers.

John had a few true loves: God, fishing, beer, naps, and his grandkids — who he proudly referred to as “brats.” Taking them fishing and spending time outside was his version of quality time, even if he acted like it wasn’t a big deal. To the kids though, they loved their grumpy papa.

He wasn’t warm and fuzzy, but he showed up and loved his family. Those who knew him best understood that under the gruff exterior was a man who cared deeply — about everyone— he just wasn’t going to make a speech about it.

He will be missed, remembered, and probably still blamed when something goes wrong on a fishing trip by his kids Rob, Bree, and Sam and especially his grandkids Ruger, Rayder, Adell, George, his favorite twins Hartlie and Stevie, and the caboose baby Atlas that he didn’t get to meet.

Forever our husband, dad, and papa.

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of John online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.