Fabian Manuel Casas

He was preceded in death by his parents Jose P. and Hilda Casas; his son Fabian Manuel Casas Jr.; his son-in-law James Epling and by his brother Omar A. Casas.

Fabian graduated from McAllen High School in 1967 and pursued higher education at Pan American University for two years. In 1969, he answered the call to serve his nation by joining the United States Army. As a member of the 551st Military Police Company, part of the 4th US Army, Fabian earned several military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with multiple campaign stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with a device denoting service in 60 campaigns. His exemplary service also earned him the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Army Commendation Medal with a valor device and oak leaf cluster, and marksman qualifications with the M-16, among other accolades.

Honorably discharged in 1971, Fabian returned to McAllen and resumed his studies at Pan American University, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. He began his career with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and later joined the United States Border Patrol as a member of the 109th Class EOD. Fabian’s leadership and dedication during his 31-year career in the U.S. Border Patrol, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley Sector where he was the Patrol Agent in Charge of the Rio Grande City Station, were widely recognized and respected by his fellow agents. He retired from the Border Patrol in 2003.

Fabian married his lifelong love, Elsa Alvarez in 1972 and together they raised a family that was the center of his world. Fabian and Elsa were blessed with two children, Monica and Fabian, Jr., and later delighted in their role as grandparents to Sean, Kiersten, Shaine, Seth, and Jimmy. Fabian cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, whether it was raising his most free-spirited grandson, Sean, supporting Kiersten through her extensive studies in Public Health Education and Behavioral Science, cheering on Shaine at swimming competitions, hunting with Seth, or providing guidance at skeet shoot competitions with Jimmy.

Beyond his distinguished careers, Fabian's greatest source of pride was his family. He played an integral role in the lives of his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family, offering silent guidance and unwavering support through life’s joys and challenges. His legacy of love, service, and dedication will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He built his home to have his family, immediate and extended, to celebrate holidays and family days over the years. Easter egg hunts in the front yard consisted of hundreds of confetti filled eggs and Fabian could be seen being a good sport, getting hit by the children. The 4th of July was always observed at his home where we had a clear sight of the fireworks and we were able to bring our own to set them off.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved fishing with his neice Natalie and no matter how many trips they took, he would bait Natalie’s hook every time (even though she was fully capable of baiting the hook herself). One very memorable trip on Fabian’s boat at the Fishing For Hope Tournament in SPI, we were close to Arroyo City when the boat started taking on water and almost sank. Fabian and other members of the crew jumped in to action, gunning the motor keeping and getting us out of the water quickly. We lost caps, ice chests, shirts and other gear in the water and we found out later the Coast Guard was out there looking for a sunken boat and possible survivors.

He enjoyed taking his grandchildren, nieces and nephews shooting and would spend hours cleaning his many, many guns. He loved deer hunting and spending the night in a blind in freezing, rainy conditions was no problem for him. His grandson, Seth, shared his love of hunting in adverse conditions and accompanied his grandpa on as many trips as possible. During one family day, when a family member talked about a problem with rats getting in to her outside bird cage, Fabian immediately pulled out a pellet rifle, fully outfitted with a scope and gave instructions on how to shoot the rats. As if on cue, a giant rat appeared in the backyard of their 2 acre plot, and to the amazement of everyone there, he was able to take it out with his second shot. Needless to say, the family member did not take home the pellet rifle!

On one recent family day, we were greeted by a home-made, hand-written sign on the lid of one trash can declaring “RECYLE ONLY. Plastic, Bottles, Cans, Paper Plates, Napkins. No Metal Forks, Spoons or Knives Please.” Signed Management. Upon inquiry, we found out that Fabian was tired of losing silverware after every family day!

His final days were spent shooting dove at his nephew DJ’s new home with family members. Fabian was incredibly happy being out there and saw a sign for a ranchito for sale close by and wanted to talk to his sister-in-law who is a realtor about buying it! He was also looking forward to a fishing trip, planned for this weekend. The trip will go forward as planned, in honor of Fabian.

He is survived by his loving wife Elsa Casas; his daughter Monica Epling; his grandchildren Sean M. Casas, Kierstyn S. Gallegos, Shaine M. Casas, Seth M. Epling, James Paul Epling II, Ethan Blaine Casas and Caleb James Casas; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm with a rosary recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Funeraria Del Angel at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission.

Fabian Casas will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his country, and his community. May he rest in peace