With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our loving devoted father, grandfather and brother. SFC Raymond Casillas left us while sleeping peacefully at his residence on April 18, 2020. He was 73 years young.
He was born in Manhattan, New York. In 1968, he proudly joined the United States Army. He spent his first part of his military career abroad in Japan and South Korea. While back in the states, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, Home of the Screaming Eagles while assigned to the 101st Airborne (and oh boy, did he love his Screaming Eagles!) then finally retired from the U.S. Army at Ft. Bliss, TX in 1988. During his military career, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Korea Defense Service Medal. He continued supporting the military community and his love of firearms as the manager of the Rod and Gun Club at Ft. Bliss. In 1998, he began a second career as a professor at El Paso Community College. He molded and guided young minds for 20 years until he retired for good in 2018. Leading up to his retirement, he discovered a new passion of painting. A stroll through his house will show this love and his progression of his skills as an artist.
He was predeceased by his mother, Lydia Torres Casillas and his brother, Perry Alvarez.
He is survived by his two daughters, Irene L. Portillo and Andrea M. Driscoll. His sister, Sandra Nieves. His five grandchildren, LaNecia Joyce, Danyal Driscoll Jr., Joseph Kyser, Jr., Camden Driscoll, and Andre Portillo. His great granddaughter, Laila Anderson. His nieces, Sabrina Nieves-Byrnes and Evita Santos. His nephews, Robert Nieves and Raymond Alvarez. Best Friend Delfina Najera and Dora Castaneda
We love you, dad. You will be missed by so many.
O God, Who has commanded us to honor our father and mother, have compassion in Thy mercy, on the souls of my father and mother; forgive them their sins, and grant that I may see them in the joy of eternal brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
