Mateo (Matt) S. Casillas, 89, devoted husband, father and popo was called home to our Lord on Wednesday, 18 November 2020. He was born 15 April 1931 to Bonifacio H. and Espiridiona S. Casillas. Matt was the second eldest of the family. He had two brothers and one sister. Matt is from Martindale, TX, a small town in Caldwell County and part of the Austin Metropolitan area. Today, population is approximately 1,250, but when Matt grew up there, population was about 500. In 1953 Matt joined the army and served for two years. He also served in the US Air Force Reserves. Matt was a proud veteran who loved and honored his country.
In 1956, he was employed at Kelly Air Force Base until his retirement in 1989. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Annie Arguello. Together they raised a family and had eight children. They were married for 62 years, until her passing in 2019. Our dad made a difference in this world. He was our Hero. He always made his family feel safe and secure. He had a grand smile that would light up the room. Dad was a true definition of a family man who always put faith and family first. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren and great grand-children and would brag about them to whoever would listen. We, his children were equally as proud. Daddy encouraged us from the get-go to work hard and be compassionate to others. Our dad always wanted to help others and encourage us to do the same. He taught us to be responsible for our own actions, strive for more but to always be kind and the importance of keeping close to family. My dad was a kind and caring man who made friends easily. He loved striking up conversations to whoever he met and was always interested in what they had to say. He treated everyone like family and we loved that trait in him.
Mateo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annie A. Casillas. Also preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Celia Alfaro; one brother, Julio Casillas and one grandson, Felix Favella, Jr.
Matt is survived by his children Anna C. Porto (Jimmy Porto), Alma C. Peña (Ruben Peña), Sam Casillas (Victoria C. Casillas), Abel J. Casillas (Byron Holder), Diana C. Valague (Joseph Valague), Gloria A. Castellanos (Evaristo “Joshua” Castellanos), René J. Casillas (Debra V. Casillas), Jose Casillas, 17 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one great grand-daughter due in April 2021, big brother, Arturo S. Casillas (90) (Atanacia P. Casillas) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Thank you, dad for being there for us. Thank you for sacrificing and putting your family first. We are forever grateful and proud to be your children.
We take comfort in knowing you are with God and have reunited with mom. Until we see you both again.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, 3 December 2020 at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, 515 N. Main Ave, from 5 – 9 pm. A Catholic Mass of celebration is scheduled for Friday, 4 December 2020 at 09:00 a.m. at St Luke’s Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou with Committal Service at Fort Sam Houston at 10:30 a.m.
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