Obituary of Joe Casillas

Joe Casillas passed away on February 21, 2021 at the age of 88. Born on November 11, 1932, he was the fourth of eight children of Julian and Carmen Casillas. He lived his whole life in San Benito County on his family’s ranch on Santa Ana Valley Road. He was a graduate of Hollister High, class of 1951. After high school, Joe served in the United States Army for two years in Alaska being discharged in 1957. Upon returning to California, Joe went into the farming business with four of his brothers, known as Casillas Brothers Inc. They grew row crops and apricots and eventually, went into the cattle business. After 40+ years, the Casillas Brothers retired in 2000. In 1957, Joe married Lillian Recalde at Sacred Heart Church in Hollister. They settled on the family ranch where they raised four daughters. Joe enjoyed fishing and hunting with his cronies, and he looked forward to joining his fellow farmers at Jerry’s every morning for many years. He and Lil loved traveling and cruising. Joe was a member of the Hollister Elks Club, the San Benito County Cattlemen’s Association, Hollister Boosters, and he was a faithful supporter of 4H, FFA, and Sacred Heart School. Joe was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church. Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lillian Casillas, daughters; Nancy Casillas, Judy Garner (Kenny), Mary Casillas (Scott), and Lynda Casillas. His grandchildren; Laura Jackson (Cameron), John Garner, Danny Perales (Shaelah). Joe is also survived by his bothers: Emilio Casillas (Pat), Paul Casillas (Cathy), and sister Mary Marcus (Sam), brother in law, Arnold Recalde (Linda), and sister in laws, Helen Casillas, Joyce Casillas, and Debbie Casillas along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Julian and Carmen Casillas, brothers Julian, Manuel, Frank and Ed. Donations can be made to Hazel Hawkins Hospital or Immaculate Conception Church in Joe’s memory: in care of Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Sunday February 28, 2021 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Funeral Home. Outdoor services will be held Monday, March 1, 2021 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 and the family’s concern for safety, there will be no public reception at this time.