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Melesio Casas Obituary
Melesio (Mel) Casas, born in El Paso, Texas, on November 24, 1929, passed away at his home in San Antonio on Sunday, November 30, 2014. An influential artist, theorist, teacher and mentor, Mel was professor emeritus at San Antonio College where he taught for 29 years, retiring as chairman of the art department in 1990. He served in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart for bravery under fire.
As an artist, Mel is best known for his "Humanscapes", a series of large-scale paintings done between 1965 and 1989. Two of these paintings, "Brownies of the Southwest" and "Barrio Dog", hang in the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian; another, "Humanscape #57", hangs in the San Antonio Museum of Art. In more recent years, Mel's works have been smaller scale, poured paintings. He has exhibited nationally and internationally and has been the subject of numerous one-person shows.
As a theorist, Mel is best known for the Brown Paper Report and A Contingency Factor written when he assumed the presidency in 1971 of Con Safo, a Chicano art group he helped found in the early 1960s.
Mel is survived by his wife, Grace; sons: Mike, Alfredo and Bruce; daughters: Sonya and Ingrid Torres; grandchildren: Alexander, Stefan and Irina; sisters: Connie, Raquel, Gloria and Eva; and brother: Mike.
A service with military honors will be held at 2:45 pm, Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery, and is open to those wishing to attend. A celebration of Mel Casas' life will take place, 4:00 pm, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at Texas A&M - San Antonio's Educational and Cultural Arts Center (former Museo Alameda), located at 101 S. Santa Rosa in the "El Mercado" area, San Antonio, Texas. Friends and family of Mel are invited to attend.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melesio Casas
Olivia Lemelle
November 28, 2021
I will never forget the "great" Mel Casas. Blessings on him, his art and his family.
Sharon Perica
December 11, 2014
Can't think of one of us who knew him at SAC who didn't know and appreciate him. His dedication to his craft, teaching, and his community was obvious. His art is one of a kind--like Mel. He will be missed by many.
bob wade
December 8, 2014
miss ya mel, you were great ! xo bob wade
frances McCown Wimberly
December 8, 2014
Mr. Casas you taught me design @ SAC; told me one day about how the shrapnel hit you; when they removed the bandages after the operation you woke to realize you could see; you said they didn't know if you were permanently blinded or not; your bed was by the hospital window and when you awoke the first thing you saw was downtown Tokyo; that was when you realized the impact the visual image has on us. You were one of the teachers for whom I had the most respect.
Andy Villarreal, Artist
December 6, 2014
Mel, you inspired me to pursue my dreams in art, you were my mentor best teacher and friend anyone could have. You planted a seed in thousands of people you came across, your spirit will live in our hearts forever.
My deepest and sincere condolences to Grace and family.
Olivia Lemelle
December 4, 2014
Mr. Casas...the very "best" teacher ever. His advice to use your entire range of motion in your arm while painting was what actually frees you to create motion in your work. Awesome and humble man. I will miss him, will pray for him and will raise his family up in prayer. Thank you Mr. Casas.
December 4, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalms 119:76
December 4, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Nancy Gil
December 4, 2014
My condolences to the Casas' famiy. It was a pleasure to have known Mr. Casas' The sky is now your canvas and you can paint with every color. Rest in Peace.
Nancy Gil
Alamo Colleges (Retired)
Felipe Garza
December 4, 2014
Thank you for inspiring so many of us to explore the arts.
Dr. Luis Holst and Staff
December 4, 2014
Our Prayers and Heart go out to the Mrs.Grace Casas and family. He was a wonderful patient and a wonderful man. He will be truly missed at office.
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