After graduating from Eagle Pass High School in 1965, he joined the United States Air Force where he served as Staff Sergeant. He then pursued his education by graduating from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with a degree in Education where he doubled majored in Spanish and History with a minor in Russian History. Once he entered the world of teaching, he soon discovered his next calling…coaching journey began in 1973 at Eagle Pass Junior Highand High School, Laredo-Nixon High School, Sharyland High School, San Marcos High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Fox Tech High School, Sacred Heart School and Sabinal High School as the Athletic Director.

Coach Casales was a dedicated man to the Catholic faith and community. In Eagle Pass he was a member of the Crusillo, a Eucharistic minister, a lector. In Uvalde he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight. Coach Casales also taught CCD classes for Confirmation, he was also a member of the Parish Council, and a lector for both the English and Spanish masses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosario Casales, three brothers: Jose Casales, Jr., Francisco Casales and Manuel Casales. A rosary was held on Monday, June 9, 2014 at 7:00 pm. at Rushing-Estes-Knowls Mortuary in Uvalde. A second viewing was held on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church. Interment followed at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Cemetery in Eagle Pass. Memorial Contributions to be made to the American Cancer Society 8115 Data Point Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78229 Funeral Arrangements in care of and entrusted to: YEAGER BARRERA MORTUARY 1613 Del Rio Blvd. Eagle Pass, Tx. 78852 PH: 830-773-3211.