Col. Casaus passed away on July 3rd, 2012. He was preceded in death by his daughter: Cathleen Marie Casaus; his mother and father: Carlos & Isabel; as well as two sisters and four brothers. He is survived by his spouse of 63 years, Cecilia Casaus; his son: Robert James Casaus; his daughter: Barbara C. Pfaff (Volker); his brother Ernest Casaus (Jenny); his sister Marcella C. Martinez; his grandchild: Andrea K. Pfaff; and many loving relatives and friends.

He grew up on a ranch in Santa Rosa, played basketball and worked in a bank. He was a World War II Army veteran in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the European African Eastern Service Medal as well as a WWII Victory Medal. Afterwards, he recruited students for WestPoint. He went to UNM and met the love of his life in 1949. He worked at Cherry Motors in Santa Fe, then as a manager at Galles Chevrolet in Albuquerque, later opening his own parts business Nu Mex Autoparts. He was a member of the Elks Club and Kirtland Officer’s Club.

He is well known for his catchphrases, “One big happy family” as well as to watch out if he took his glasses off.

Mike's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Thursday July 12th, 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Reflection of Life® Chapel (Washington and Cutler NE). A Rosary will be Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Life Celebration Mass will be Friday at 8:15 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church with burial following at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. Reception will be held at in the Reflection of Life® Chapel at 2:00 p.m.