Efram Ramirez Casarez Sr.

Efram Casarez, of Austin, passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 21, 2017, at the age of 91. He served his country by joining the United States Army in 1945 during World War II. He received the Germany - Army Occupation medal, WWII Victory medal, and Rifle - Marksmanship badge. He was married to his beloved wife, Olivia Mendoza, on October 4, 1953 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Austin and they enjoyed 58 years together before her passing on December 31, 2011. They were blessed with three sons and shared in their many school projects, functions, and sports activities. He was employed in the optical business for many years both in San Antonio and Austin before retiring from the State of Texas with 20 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and spouse. He is survived by his sons and their spouses, Efrem and Kathy, Rudy and Marlene, and Richard and Julia; eight grandchildren (and their spouses), Amanda Casarez, Lauren Cuellar (fiancé Brian), Marc Casarez (Lauren), Kimberly Haro (Ruben), Kristen Broll (Adam), Ricky Casarez (Sarah), Ryan Casarez (fiancé Miranda), and Brandon Casarez. He was also blessed with six great-grandsons, Tyler Casarez, Drake Cuellar, Weston and Jaxon Broll, Brayden Deckard, Ricky Casarez, and one more to be born in May, and one great-granddaughter, Madilyn Casarez. He is also survived by his step-mother, half brothers and sisters, several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers will be his four grandsons, Adam Broll and Ruben Haro. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville on April 23, 2017. The Funeral Mass of Celebration will be held on April 24, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Pflugerville at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North IH-35, in Pflugerville, TX.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who cared for Efram in his final days and the dedicated staff of Hospice Austin for their care and assistance. We also thank family and friends for their love, support and prayers.