William Joseph Casarez

William Joseph Casarez
William Joseph Casarez

William Joseph Casarez, a Christian gentleman of 91, died peacefully February 16, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Patrick and Josephine (Mahle) Casarez; and siblings, William Patrick Casarez, Jr., Maureen Velarde, Betty Gray, and Joseph Patrick Casarez, Sr.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty (Jenkins) Casarez; son, William Clayton Casarez (Kathleen); and granddaughters, Kiona Marie Casarez and Erin Margaret O’Connell.  He was loving known as “Uncle Tiny” to his many nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Cathedral High School, El Paso, Texas. He also graduated from the College of Santa Fe (Bachelor of Science in Biology, cum laude), and earned a Master of Arts Degree from Highlands University, New Mexico.  As a life-long professional educator, Bill Casarez taught Biology at Bel Air High School, El Paso, Texas and at the Penitentiary of New Mexico, in Santa Fe.  He later became the first high school guidance counselor in the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) and was subsequently appointed as the first Director of Guidance Counseling for the district.  He continued serving the educational needs of El Paso community until his retirement as an Associate Superintendent of the YISD.

A gentleman of great diversity, he was awarded a joint United States Patent before following his calling as a professional educator and later enjoyed woodworking and the precision of watch repair and clock building.  His previous interest in electronics and amateur radio served him well as he became a key technical resource for the programming of the early advanced computer systems used behind the scenes by the YISD.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 25, 2021 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Amarillo. Committal service and interment will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 26, 2021 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Amarillo. Use the link to live stream the Funeral Mass: https://amarillo.church/live

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the High Plains Food Bank (Amarillo, TX), Faith City Mission (Amarillo, TX), or charitable organization of your choice.

5 Replies to “William Joseph Casarez”

  1. Such a beautiful service with outstanding music and a very meaningful message.
    My heart hurts for you during this time and especially moving forward with the loss of Bill. I am here anytime you need me. I love you very deeply.
    Betty, you looked Fabulous and good to see family. You have a beautiful granddaughter. It was wonderful to say hello to family.
    Always love and joy to you.

  2. Aunt Betty, Cousin Clay and Family, we were saddened to learn of Uncle Bill’s passing. We are sorry we cannot be in attendance personally due to Covid, but know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. We will miss Uncle Bill’s sense of humor and his giving spirit.
    Love,
    David, Pam, Doug and Nick Gray

  3. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Casarez family during this time of sadness.
    From the Ardagh Group Engineering department

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