Israel Casas, Jr.

In Loving Memory of Israel Casas Jr.

March 16, 1942 – August 23, 2026

Israel Casas Jr., age 84, passed away on August 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Israel was born on March 16, 1942, in Austin, Texas, to Israel Casas Sr. and Hortencia Alba. He grew up in Austin, where he graduated from Austin High School 1961. On August 23, 1964, Israel married the love of his life, Estella Moreno. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around love, family, faith, hard work, and countless memories. Their marriage was a partnership that carried them through more than six decades of life's joys and challenges. In a poignant reflection of their lifelong devotion to one another, Israel passed away on August 23, 2026—their 62nd wedding anniversary. The date that marked the beginning of their life together would ultimately mark the end of Israel's earthly journey, after 62 years of marriage and a lifetime of love shared with Estella. 

Following their marriage, Israel began what would become a lifelong career in the restaurant industry. He started as a busboy and, through hard work, determination, and a natural gift for hospitality, worked his way up to becoming a successful restaurant owner and operator. Early in his career, Israel worked for El Chico Restaurant, where he continued developing his passion for food, people, and the restaurant business.

In the 1970s, Israel and his wife, Estella, moved to Temple, Texas, where they opened Las Casas Restaurant. Together, they built a successful restaurant that became an important part of their lives and the Temple community for many years. Israel went on to own and operate other successful restaurants throughout Texas, building a career that reflected his strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and love of bringing people together. Most recently, he served as Director of Operations for Esparza's Restaurant in Grapevine, Texas.

For Israel, food was about much more than running a business—it was about bringing people together. He loved hosting family and friends and took great joy in creating new dishes throughout the years. His table was a place for conversation, laughter, stories, and memories. Israel also loved to celebrate. Birthdays, holidays, accomplishments, or simply having the people he loved together were always reasons to enjoy life.

Above all else, Israel loved his family. There was nothing more important to him than the people he loved, and he would do anything for them. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and found tremendous joy in watching his family grow through the years. Israel was also a man of deep Catholic faith. His faith was an important part of his life and remained a source of strength, guidance, and comfort throughout the years. He was devoted to his Catholic beliefs and carried that devotion with him through the many seasons of his life. His faith shaped the way he loved his family, welcomed others, and faced both life's blessings and its challenges. His family finds peace in knowing that the faith Israel held so dearly throughout his life now carries him home to the loving arms of God.

Israel built a life defined not only by his accomplishments, but by the people he loved, the memories he created, and the lasting impact he made on those fortunate enough to know him. He will be remembered for his unique personality, his generosity, his determination, his love of good food and good company, and the many lessons and stories he shared along the way.

His life will continue to be celebrated through family traditions, favorite dishes, gatherings around the table, laughter, and stories that will be told for generations to come. Israel is survived by his beloved wife, Estella Casas; his daughters, Elaine Casas and Sylvia Quiroz and her husband, Chris Quiroz; his grandchildren, Presley Curtis (Nico), Chris Quiroz (Bailey), Cooper Quiroz, Allie Quiroz, Noah Quiroz, and Tucker Quiroz; and his great- grandchildren, Brooke Curtis, Bailey Curtis, Chris Quiroz III, Bryce Curtis, and Isabella Quiroz. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hortencia Alba and Israel Casas Sr.; his brothers, Rudolfo Casas, Bobby Casas, and Joe Alba; his sisters, Rosa Donley and Amy Casas; and his son-in-law, Rusty Cusick. While Israel's passing leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled, his family finds comfort in the 84 years of life, love, laughter, and memories they were blessed to share with him. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and in every person whose life was made a little fuller because Israel was part of it.

A visitation honoring Israel's life will be held at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton on August 27, 2026 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a Rosary reciting beginning at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday,  August 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton with Father Harry Dean officiating. Burial will follow at North Belton Cemetery in Belton.

Israel's family will forever cherish the life he lived, the love he gave so freely, and the countless memories he leaves behind. Though he will be deeply missed, the stories, traditions, laughter, and love he gave his family will ensure that a part of him is always with them.

Rest in peace, Israel. Your life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure, and your love will remain in our hearts always.