Larry Casillas Chavez

Larry Casillas Chavez, 78, passed away peacefully at home on February 15 in Abilene, Texas.

Larry was born in 1948 in Los Angeles, California. He spent his early years there before eventually making his way to Abilene, Texas, where he would build a life rooted in family, music, and community. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1969 and remained connected to the city he called home for the rest of his life.

From a very young age, Larry was a musician at heart. What began with the guitar grew into a lifelong passion that included piano, upright-bass, horns, vocals, and percussion. He regularly performed at the Abilene Country Club, the Petroleum Club, and other venues throughout Abilene and the surrounding area. Music was not only something he loved, it was something he lived, and it became both a personal passion and a second profession throughout his life.

Larry lived a life full of unique experiences. Over the years, he explored many paths, including taxidermy and working as a repossession agent. He ultimately found his stride as a professional driver, dedicating 20 years to serving the community as a driver for Abilene’s City Link bus system before retiring. He continued his work in CDL transportation, driving across the country and later focusing his career with Big Country Stone, transporting rock from the mines to build sites.

He was known for his stoic nature, his kindness, and his generosity. Larry never met a stranger, he had a way of connecting with people wherever he went. Whether it was stopping to help someone stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or a dead battery, or simply offering a kind word, he lived with a quiet compassion that left a lasting impact.

Larry had a deep love for animals and an even deeper love for his family. He found joy in the simple things, cooking hearty breakfasts, creating his well-known concoction of squash, cheese, onion, and meat, and spending time searching for hidden treasures at pawn shops, flea markets, and garage sales. He also had an uncanny ability to spot things along the roadside, finding cash or other unexpected items, something those close to him will always remember with a smile.

He is survived by his beloved wife, MaryAnn Chavez; his son Lauro Chavez and wife Kristina, and their children Catolina, Antonio, and Francesca; his son Carlos and child Lourdes; his daughter Diane and family, and his son Michael. He is also survived by his brother Luis Chavez and family; nieces Debbie, Priscilla, and Frances; nephews Rudy and Manuel; along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Chavez and Francis Casillas, and his sister, Agnes Bruner.

Larry will be remembered for being an amazing husband, a wonderful father, his music, his generosity, his quiet strength, and the way he made people feel welcome wherever he went. His legacy lives on in the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the family he loved so deeply.

There will be no formal services at this time. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.