Charles Longino Casillas

Beloved son, brother, husband, father and new grandpa Carlos Longino (Charles) Casillas passed away December 7, 2024, at home surrounded by family, following a courageous and resolute 20-year battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Charlie's extraordinary story began in the little town named Luling, Texas, where he was born to Emiliano Mata and Julia Alvarado Casillas on September 30, 1947. He was born in a warehouse rather than a hospital, because the hospital was only for gringos. His parents named him Carlos Longino Casillas, and so the adventure began.
At an early age, Carlos and his parents moved to the central Texas town of San Marcos, where the young boy grew up strong and determined. Impressed by Carlos' intellect and initiative, his kindergarten teacher insisted he be allowed to attend the school in his attendance zone, though it was normally reserved solely for Anglo students. Yielding to the kindergarten teacher's persistence, the principal reluctantly agreed to allow Carlos to attend, but only as "Charles[1]," rather than Carlos. Charlie, as he became known, received a high-quality elementary education. He had other champions along the way, including junior high and high school teachers, coaches and band directors.
Charlie's saxophone took him to college, first at Southwest Texas State University in his hometown. He was mortified to be attending college with his mother dropping him off and picking him up from school. He set out on his own to Denton and North Texas State University, where he was thrilled to be a part of the band program under the direction of Maurice McAdow.
Following graduation, Charlie became a junior high school band director in his hometown of San Marcos, and soon set his sights on graduate studies. He was accepted to the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a master's degree with distinction.
From San Marcos, he moved to Hondo High School, then Coakley Junior High in Harlingen, where his band was the Honor Band runner-up. He moved back into high school teaching at Lewisville High School in the early 80's.
Charlie's career advanced to head band director positions in La Joya, Texas and McAllen, Texas, where he taught hundreds of students in award-winning concert and marching bands.
Along the way, Charlie met the love-of-his-life and fellow band director, Cindy L. Crow, whom he swept off her feet and married in December 1985. Together, they shared love, laughter and music, and welcomed beloved sons Chase Longino and Cinjin Lane. (Every member of the family shares the initials "CLC.")
After his retirement from high school band direction, Charlie and Cindy settled in Cypress, Texas, where Charlie taught private saxophone lessons for more than 20 years. More than a dozen of the students he taught and mentored advanced to positions in the all-state bands.
Cindy and Charlie welcomed daughter-in-law, Molly Myrick Casillas, who married Cinjin ten years ago. Two days before Charlie's passing, he and Cindy welcomed their first grandchild, Callum Davis Casillas.
Charlie touched the lives of many, instilling confidence, a love of music and life lessons to help his young students prepare for the challenges of adulthood. He shared boundless love and energy with his students, family and friends. He deeply loved animals, providing a home to dogs, cats, and birds, including a rescued, injured whitewing dove named "Silly." Favorite pastimes included participating in his sons' musical, athletic and academic adventures, traveling to new places with his wife and fishing with his buddies.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Cindy, of Cypress; son Chase, of Austin, and son Cinjin, daughter-in-law Molly, and grandson, Callum of Cypress. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Adam Facundo of San Marcos, along with nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
A memorial service will be held for Charlie Monday, December 23, 2024, at noon at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 13131 Fry Road, in Cypress. There will be joyful music.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Charlie's medical providers and caregivers, including Dr. Celina Longoria, Dr. George Keith, Dr. Jaime Robledo, Dr. Laura Whiteley, Dr. Kevin Kline, Dr. William Ondo, physical therapists Angela Cassady and Claire Conroy, speech language pathologist Amy Greebon, Acara Hospice nurse Haley Ackerman and aide Stacey Newman, caregivers Karen Morgan, Ashley Lee and Patricia Spencer. We also wish to thank our special friend Monick Rice for spoiling him with haircuts at home for years. Cindy also wishes to thank her sister, Mary-Ann Muffoletto, for dropping everything to come to her side in these last trying days.
In lieu of other remembrances, the family requests gifts to the Houston Area Parkinson's Society, which has provided outstanding support during Charlie's illness.