MARTIN CASAREZ

Martin Casarez, 81, of O’Donnell, Texas, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in O’Donnell, Texas. Born on July 29, 1944, in Karnes City, Texas, Martin was the son of Ramon and Petra Casarez. He attended O’Donnell Schools and proudly served in the United States Army from May 1967 to May 1969. Martin was a proud United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War. A respected and well-known member of the O’Donnell community, Martin was a retired tractor mechanic. His hands were rarely still, as he was deeply committed to the service of others. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and remained an active pillar of his home parish and the Diocese of Lubbock, Texas. Martin’s dedication to his neighbors was further evidence by his years of service with the volunteer fire department and various civic organizations. Martin found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid gardener and landscaper, with a talent for carpentry and a love for fishing. He was perhaps best known for his skills in the pit, grilling for his friends, family, and the community at large. At home, he could often be found caring for and enjoying the company of his beloved pet Chiweenie. Martin was a devoted father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his three children: Kenneth Casarez and his wife, Pam of Lubbock, and their son, Aidan, of Frisco; his daughter, Deborah Casarez Mecalco, of Lubbock, and her sons, Isaih, Aaron and his fiancé Nicole Locker and their son Cid, all of Lubbock; and his son Abrian, of Lubbock, and his fiancée, Rachael Wells of London, England. He is also survived by his brother, Roy Casarez and his wife Mirna of Poteet, Texas, and his sister, Elida Pena of Beeville, Texas.; numerous relatives and friends. Martin is reunited in peace with his beloved wife, Lillie Molina Casarez. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Petra Casarez; his brothers, Oscar, Casimiro, and Johnny; and his sisters, Maria Garcia and Belia Martinez. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Saint Pius X Catholic Church in O’Donnell, Texas with celebrant Father Sylvester Dsouza, and assisted by Father John Steven Rathinam. Following the funeral service, Martin will be laid to rest at the Dawson County Cemetery in Lamesa, Texas. The viewing will be held at Gonzales Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary Prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel.

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MARTIN CASAREZ

July 29, 1944 - April 4, 2026