Our beloved father, Richard B. Casillas (age 85), passed peacefully into eternal rest the afternoon of June 20, 2024, surrounded by his family. Richard, best known to everyone as Dickie, was born in Miami, Arizona to Manuel Casillas and Juaquina Becerra on April 17,1939; he was one of eight children. Due to losing their father at an early age Dickie and his siblings helped their mom to take on the responsibility of providing for the family. He worked multiple jobs such as a golf caddy and delivering cattle, milk and cheese from Miami to Florence.
Dickie met and married the love of his life, Lucy Gonzalez, in 1956. They proudly raised 6 children. Dickie worked hard to provide for his family; his work included a gas attendant for his brother Rudo, then he started his career as a heavy-duty mechanic in 1962. He worked for Magma Mine, Copper Cities Mine and then was one of the first to be transferred to Pinto Valley Mine when they first opened. Dickie retired from Pinto Valley Mine in 1999 having put in 37 years total with the mines.
Dickie loved to spend time outside working in his yard and gardening. He enjoyed taking his family camping in the White Mountains every summer. Once he retired, he and his wife, Lucy, would spend weeks at a time up at camp. Any chance he got he would host a BBQ, which meant many friends and family were always invited. He loved playing cards, rolling dice and playing washers. He would urge some betting to always make it more fun and competitive.
Dickie is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lucy; children Lucy Gomez, Debbie Mayo, Karen Gaona, Richard Casillas (Barbara), and Liz Mabbitt (Mike); 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and many bonus grandchildren; brothers Robert Casillas and Ruben (Teresa) Casillas; and sisters Lupe Madrid and Helen Saucedo.
Dickie is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Juaquina Casillas; daughter, Rose Casillas; brothers, Manuel, Tony and Rudo Casillas; in-laws Frank and Connie Jimenez; son-in-law Allen Mayo; brothers-in-law Ysabel Gonzalez, Al Saucedo and Lalo Madrid; and sister-in-law, Yolanda Gonzalez. As Dickie would always say - Ay Te Wacho!
Services were held on June 29 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Miami.
Family was assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Services Miami, www.bulmanmiles.com.
