Johnny Casillas

Johnny Casillas, the son of Macario and Maria Casillas, passed away on October 22, 2018 in Pico Rivera, California at the age of 84. He was born on April 19, 1934 in Corcoran, California and grew up in Hanford, California. Johnnys steadfast work ethic began as a child working while still in elementary school picking cotton and fruit before and after school. He loved sports and was a pitcher for both the Handford junior and high school baseball teams. Eager to serve his country, Johnny fibbed about his age and joined the Navy at the age of 17 and became a proud Seaman First Class aboard the USS Antigua and USS Shangrila. Since he left high school to join the Navy, Johnny would later graduate in 1976; an amazing feat while working two jobs and going to night school. Johnny was a proud veteran and would later represent his country at many public functions along with his friend Charlie and brother in law, Butch.

After serving his country Johnny moved to Los Angeles to find work. In addition to finding work as an upholstery apprentice at a furniture company Johnny also found the love of his life. Johnny married Elizabeth Betty Ruiz in Los Angeles on June 15, 1957 and would remain married for over 59 years until Betty went to be with the Lord December 31, 2016.

After working with several furniture companies, Johnny got a job with Amtrak. Working with Amtrak was his dream job since it enabled him and Betty to travel the country. Johnny loved to travel. He visited many places including Hawaii, New York, Washington DC, Canada and Florida. In addition to travel he loved to play and watch sports, especially baseball and football. Johnny coached his sons baseball team to the Championship and pitched for the Rivera First Baptist softball team.

Johnny is survived by his children, Sally Ann, John Anthony, Susan Marie; grandchildren, Brandon Jacob, Nicole Marie, Cassandra Katrina, Kelsey Corinne, Elizabeth Rose; great-grandchildren, Nixon Kamakani, Dylan Leilani; and his siblings, Mac, Peter, Carmen and Ruth.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on Monday, November 5, 2018 at the White Emerson Mortuary Chapel and a graveside service will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Riverside National Cemetery.

Johnnys family is confident that he is home with our Lord because of his public profession of faith and being baptized as a follower of Christ.