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Enrique “Rick” Casales Jr. passed away unexpectedly early Wednesday morning, March 22, 2023.
Rick was the son of Maria Estela Casales and the late Enrique Casales. He had two sisters, Martha Casales and the late Laura Blue.
Rick was born July 31, 1973, the only son of the family. He grew up in Eagle Pass and Uvalde. Rick enjoyed going to new places and trying new things. He loved 80’s music, cooking, and going to the movies. What was most important to Rick was being surrounded by family and seeing them smile.
Rick completed high school and shortly after studied the culinary arts. He met the love of his life, Zina Casales, and the two married on Dec. 30, 2006. The pair lived in Crystal City, where he continued his love for the culinary arts and worked in the food industry. After a couple of years, he discovered a new passion and began working as an educator at Crystal City ISD. Zina and Rick welcomed their daughter, Zoey Ann, on Feb. 23, 2012, a new and exciting chapter that would bring so much joy to both Rick and Zina. They moved to the Austin area in the summer of 2014. Once there, Rick continued to work as an educator and worked for Round Rock ISD for two years and was currently working for Elgin ISD for the past seven years. He enjoyed working with children and making a difference in their lives.
Rick is preceded in death by his father, Enrique Casales, and sister, Laura Blue.
His legacy and memory will be forever lived on by his wife, Zina Casales; daughter, Zoey Ann Casales; mother, Maria Estella Casales; sister, Martha Casales; nephews, Ernest Casales, Anthony Alvarado and Marky Avarado.; sister-in-law, Christina Guerra; brother-in-law, Alejandro Guerra; niece, Isabel Guerra; nephew, Andrew Guerra; mother-in-law, Rosa Luna; and the Cruz and Zavala Family.
His love for his family and friends will always be felt in our hearts. He will be missed everyday of our lives, but we know he will always be with us wherever we go.
Arrangements and care entrusted to Elgin Funeral Home.
