Mark Anthony Casillas, Sr.

Beloved father, husband, grandfather, and retired Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 63. He was born on June 21, 1961 in Tucson, Arizona. He graduated from Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Arizona.

A proud veteran, MSgt. Casillas honorably served in the Air Force from September 1978 to September 1998. His distinguished career included assignments with the Security Police Squadron (SPS) at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey; F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming; 832nd SPS at Luke Air Force Base, AZ; 7100 SPS at Lindsey Air Station, Wiesbaden, Germany; 3800th Air Base Squadron, Gunter AFB; 331st AF Recruiting Squadron, and 42nd Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama.

MSgt. Casillas was recognized among the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year in 1991 and earned the title of Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in the same year. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. Among his other accomplishments, he was an Honor Graduate of the Combat Course, a graduate of the Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership School, and the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. His commitment to safeguarding his country was unwavering, and he exemplified the highest standards of duty and honor.

MSgt. Casillas pursued higher education during his active duty, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management and an MBA from Troy University. He transitioned his military expertise into a fulfilling civilian career as a Human Resource Specialist for Regions Bank and Montgomery Public Schools in Montgomery, Alabama, continuing to positively impact the lives of those he served.

He is preceded in death by his eldest brother, Richard Casillas.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra Araiza Casillas; his son, Dr. Mark Casillas, Jr., (Layla Casillas); his daughter, Regina Conradi (Allen Conradi); his grandchildren, Kaitlyn Anne Casillas, Kelsey Marie Casillas, Emorie Rae Conradi, and Edison Perry Conradi; his step children and step grandchildren; his former wife, Renée Anne Casillas.

MSgt. Casillas is also survived by his parents, Pete and Anita Casillas; his sister, Irene Chittester; his brother, David Casillas; and their families. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

MSgt. Casillas’ legacy of service will be remembered by all who knew him. A memorial service with interment will be held at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana, Arizona, December 30, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to veterans’ support groups, such as the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans (DAV), in honor of MSgt. Casillas’ dedication to his country and fellow members of the United Stated Armed Forces. 

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