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REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER LEAVES LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION TO OKLAHOMA REAL ESTATE MARKET
Elton Leon McCasland known by close friends as “Skip” McCasland died at the age of 75 in Oklahoma City on February 19, 2016. After a struggle with a debilitating illness, Skip left the physical world to join the Lord in the spiritual afterlife. His children and family were by his side to express their love and joy as he moved on to a more peaceful life without pain and suffering.
Skip was born June 8, 1940 in Mountain View, Oklahoma to Hallie Louise (Phelps) and Edgar Elton McCasland. Skip got his nick name from his eldest brother Don when given a skipper hat that he loved as a young child.
During his adolescent years Skip attended middle school in Delano, California with cousins and family members. After moving to Delano his parents worked in the farming industry in the San Joaquin Valley. The hard work and long hours dedicated to the farming industry helped shape his future path for hard work and made a real impact on his future. In his teens the family returned to Bethany where Skip attended Bethany High school.
He was a proud individual who never asked for support from anyone. Determined and driven, at the age of 17, Skip began his first self-employment career, painting houses. While waiting on contractors to pay him, he worked side jobs fixing up old cars, flipping them on the weekends for a profit. His philosophy was to never live above ones financial means or over extend yourself with debt or credit cards.
Skip began building during the late 60’s and expanded his business during the first major housing boom in Oklahoma City in the 70’s. As a self-employed builder and developer, Skip built, owned and managed over eighty-five Apartment complexes, six Senior Independent Living Centers, ten Commercial Shopping Centers, three Commercial Office Buildings, five Motels, several residential homes including several housing additions he developed throughout Oklahoma City. Over the fifty-five plus years, Skip’s real estate contribution in construction development, ownership and management in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Georgia was incomparable and financially rewarding providing thousands of jobs to the construction industry.
Skip was a one of a kind, tenacious, fun loving man who always had a cigar in his mouth, laughing and sharing jokes with his sub-contractors and employees. He was well liked by those who worked for him and he treated workers as if they were his dearest friends. Skip kept his business a family run operation. Over the years he employed his sisters, brother, nieces, nephews, cousins who all stayed loyal to him throughout his career. He taught his children Kim, Karla and Lance the ins and outs of business, preparing them for what one day would be a family legacy to continue to grow.
Throughout Skip’s career he gave to many charities he believed in. One large contribution was a Senior Low Income Tax Credit housing project and he earmarked all the earnings to be given to charity. Skip was a generous man and believed in helping people when times were tough and helping friends who suffered financial hardships. He was a fair, honest man and believed in being upfront and to the point. Those that knew him knew his loyalty and honesty was solid. Skip was a man of his word and he rarely went back on it regardless of the situation or outcome.
Skip loved his family and enjoyed sharing his life experiences and childhood stories. He had a strong sense of family and instilled in his kids strong spiritual roots, values, morals, and humility. His famous quote to his kids was “Never be selfish, always have gratitude. Don’t forget who you are or where you came from because people will come and go but family is forever”. Skip believed God blessed him with a good life and it was his duty to share his good fortune with others. His children have worked alongside the business since the late 70’s, and plan to keep their father’s wishes and continue his business philosophy to build, own, and manage conventional and senior multifamily housing.
Skip was the youngest of six and is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don McCasland and Burl McCasland; sisters, Wanda Knox and Neva Williams; and great-granddaughter Alana Marie Matanane.
He is survived by his first wife, beloved friend and mother of his children, Frances (Frankie) J. Coleman; sister, Norma Jo Slater; daughter, Kim Marie McCasland, and family; grandson Joshua Matanane and wife Sarah; great-grandchildren, Aydin, Isabella, Masyn, Nolyn Matanane and Grandson Thomas Matthew Mills; daughter, Karla Rena McCasland, and family; grandsons, Jay Wallace and wife Natalie, Jacob Wallace; step-granddaughter, Windy Stillick, and husband Dr. Wayne Stillick; step-great grandchildren; Cooper, Ella and Charlotte Stillick; step-grandson, Jack Cooper Wallace, III, and wife Heather; step-great grandchildren, Hester, Jaxon and Jace Wallace; son, Elliott Lance McCasland and wife Veronica, granddaughters, Sophia, Olivia & Julia McCasland.
Also surviving him in death are former sons-in-law, Jose Matanane, Thomas Mills, Jack Wallace, Jr and Russell Pence. Skip was close to all family members, he loved everyone dearly. He also leaves behind, nieces, nephews and many cousins of the McCasland family.
Skip’s wishes to his children were that they celebrate his life rather than mourn his death. The children quote, “His life was full of many accomplishments and successes!” “He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and made a lasting impression on all of our lives.” “Our dad made a real impact on the people he knew. He was responsible for mentoring several friends in business and responsible for several business partners’ successful careers. “His memories, stories and humor will be shared for generations and his children plan to keep their father’s legacy alive!”
A big heartfelt thanks goes to his Brookdale caretakers, Mary Hartman, Blake Barajas, Jason Barajas; his physician, Pamela Chadwell; and the immediate family members who were there to spend the last precious hours and minutes of Skip’s life.
We will celebrate his life 11:00am Friday, February 26th the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel located at 500 SW 104th Street, Oklahoma City, OK.
At the request of the family, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Resthaven Funeral Home, www.ResthavenOKC.com.
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