Debra Jean “Debbie” Casey

Debra Jean “Debbie” Casey, age 61, a cherished member of the Ocala, FL community, passed away on January 8, 2026. Born on January 7, 1965, in San Diego, California, Debbie was the beloved daughter of the late Robert Ronald and Pauleta Jean (Fields) York.

She attended Union County schools. Throughout her life, Debbie worked as a manager and bartender for over 20 years and took great pleasure in serving the community in a role that allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life. She was known for the genuine care she showed to those around her; to know Debbie was to know you always had someone in your corner. She had a unique ability to make people feel seen, heard, and understood, always taking a sincere interest in the present moment.

On March 2, 2006, Debbie married her soulmate, Donald Walter “Don” Casey, and together they spent almost 20 beautiful years, grateful to know what it means to walk hand-in-hand through life with your true partner. Debbie found her greatest purpose in motherhood and in the joy she shared as a grandmother.

Among her greatest joys were trips to Disney World with her daughter, Danielle, creating memories she held close to her heart. She also had a lifelong fascination with the paranormal and the possibility of communicating with those who had passed before her, sometimes joking that she would always find a way to stay close. Debbie had a deep love for animals and a gentle compassion for them. At home, she found her greatest comfort relaxing on the couch, watching television with her beloved dog and best friend, Bella.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Don Casey, of Ocala, FL; daughter, Danielle Putek, of Jacksonville, FL; step-daughter, Tricia (Casey) Gamoneda, of Tampa, FL; step-son, Jesse Casey, of Port Orchard, WA; brother, Ronald York, and sister-in-law, Emily (Brady) York, of Antioch, TN; grandchildren, Edwin Andry, of Ocala, FL; Seth Gamoneda, of Citrus Springs, FL; Logan Gamoneda, of Tampa, FL; Cameron Gamoneda, of Ocala, FL; Alana Willett, of Tampa, FL; and Micah Moschella, of Tampa, FL; and nieces, Veronica (York) Eckhart of Rushville, IN; Nicole (York) Lafever of LaVergne, TN; and Ashley York of Murfreesboro, TN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert R. York and Pauleta J. (Fields) York; her brother, Steven C. York; her niece, Samantha D. (York) Huff, and beloved fur babies Buddy and Burrito.

A Celebration of Life to honor Debbie will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Faith Fellowship located at; 9610 N. Athenia Dr, Citrus Springs, Florida 34434, with Brian Mathews officiating. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and join the family for a meal following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Humane World for Animals. Donations may be made online at humaneworld.org/donate or by phone at (866) 720-2676.