Richard Casillas

Richard F. Casillas, 67, of Hobbs, New Mexico, lost his two-year battle to lung cancer and went Home to our Lord and Savior at 3:20 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.  Richard, who is affectionately known as “Pops” to his children, grandchildren, and most who knew him, was born in Seymour, TX, on August 27, 1953, to Jesse and Pearl Casillas. He was raised in Seymour, TX, until he was 14, when his family moved to Hobbs, NM, where he would make Hobbs his lifelong home.

He graduated from Hobbs High School in 1971.  He would marry the love of his life, Bessie, in February 1972, in Lovington, NM. On July 26, 1972, his daughter, Yvonne, would be born, and then four years later August 18, 1976, his son, Anthony, would be born.

Richard had several long-term places of employment: Lynes, Inc (Baker Hughes) where he was a manager, Waste Management, where he served as the manager, and Waste Control Specialists, where he would eventually retire after 20 years of service as a purchasing agent. His strong work ethic, charming personality, and leadership skills would forge lasting friendships with coworkers.

As a young man in the 1970s, Richard was involved with the Hobbs Jaycees where he was actively involved in the Hobbs community. Throughout his married life, when Richard was not working, he spent time with family and friends listening to music, dancing, and camping.  He and his family enjoyed spending weekends in Carlsbad with his best friend of more than 50 years, Alex Lucero and family. He would eventually spend many years bowling at the local community bowling alley.  He loved supporting his grandchildren in their sports and activities, loved watching Lady Eagle basketball, and most importantly caring for his wife, Bessie, when she became disabled.  His love and devotion to caring for his wife was unparalleled.

Richard is survived by mom, Pearl; wife, Bessie; daughter, Yvonne Carpenter and husband Joe of Hobbs, NM; son, Anthony Casillas, and wife Jaclyn of Austin, TX, and grandchildren, Christopher Carpenter, and girlfriend Allison McKinley, of Albuquerque, NM; Jared Carpenter of Hobbs, NM; Chanelle Scott, husband Qajuan, and children Mya and Mac of Hobbs, NM; and Hunter Casillas of Charleston, SC, and Juliana Casillas of Austin, TX.  Richard has two sisters, Shirley Garcia of Hobbs, NM, and Tina Casillas of Seymour, TX.  Richard’s in-laws who were like siblings include Danny Ayala, and wife Debra of Lovington, NM; Cleta Reina and husband Pat of San Angelo, TX; Brenda McDurmitt and husband Mike of Lovington, NM; Rick Ortega, and wife Hermila of Lovington, NM; and Cion Ortega and lifelong friend, Randy Arena of Houston, TX.  Richard was blessed with 16 nieces and nephews, 40 great nieces and nephews, and 5 great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Casillas; his brother, Leonard Casillas; brother-in-law, Selso Garcia; mother -in-law, Zenaida Ortega, and niece, Heather Shugart. . Please know that Covid restrictions will be in place and details will be posted on the family’s social media sites.  Thank you for your prayers, guidance, love, and generous outpouring of support as the family has transitioned Richard to his final Home.