Michael Edward Casillas
(September 15, 1952 December 6, 2021). Mike was born in Superior, Arizona and was the son of Eddie Casillas and Lydia Villaverde. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Randall, his daughter, Andrea Casillas (Mike Murphy), his son, Marcos, his two grandsons, Gabriel Vargas and Atlas Casillas Murphy. Mike is also survived by his mother, Lydia (Eddie), his brothers, Ed Jr and Bob (Susan) and nephews Jess Mason (Kelley) and Justin Thomson (Sarah), Anthony Casillas, Stephen Casillas, and niece Lauren Ippolito (Vince). He is also survived by a grand nephew, numerous aunts, uncles, and many cousins. Mike graduated from Coconino High School where he met his future wife Randall. He and Randall married in 1973 and graduated in 1975 with B. A.’s in History from Arizona State. In 1976 Mike and Randall started studying at the University of New Mexico when their first child, Andrea was born and both opted to turn to certifications in education and finished their Masters in 1983. Mike’s first teaching job was teaching History in Garden City High School in Kansas. The following year, he was hired at Westwood High School in Mesa where he taught for several years. Soon after, his son Marcos was born and his wife was also teaching in Mesa. After teaching at Westwood, Mike got his degree in Administration and was Vice Principal at Carson Junior High, Kino Junior High, and then Mesa Jr. High. After enjoying that challenge, Mike decided to return to the classroom and teach at the same school where his son Marcos was attending. He retired in 2011 from Skyline High School. Mike was a gifted educator that taught students in everything from Basic Skills U. S. History to Advance Placement Government. The students loved his enthusiasm and energy. As an administrator, the teachers loved his honesty and fairness. His family will always miss his warmth and humor and sense of responsibility and dedication to family. A Celebration of Life will be held for Mike on Saturday, December 18th from 12-3 pm in Prospector Park at 3015 N. Idaho Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Paz de Cristo.
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