Redulfo "Rudy" Mendez Casaus Sr.

Redulfo “Rudy” Mendez Casaus, 78 a lifelong De Baca County resident died Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, New Mexico following an extended illness. Rudy was born November 25, 1922 to the home of Catarino Casaus Sr. and the former Dolores Mendez. As a youth he worked with his family constructing adobe homes and as a sheepherder. Rudy later worked for the Rio Pecos Oil Company for several years before entering the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge in 1946 Rudy returned to Fort Sumner where he completed 30 years employment with Rio Pecos Oil Company. He was a member of D.A.V. Clovis Chapter and a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Rudy loved his horses, fishing and hunting. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was preceded in death by a son Ramon Casaus on July 18, 1996; his parents; a daughter Anna Marie Casaus in 1951; two brothers Alfonso Casaus and Alberto Casaus and a sister Carmelita Anaya. Survivors include two daughters Gloria Woodworth of Bloomington, California; Anna Marie Props and husband Jack of Clovis, NM; three sons Rudy Casaus and wife Reba of Santa Rosa; Frank Casaus of Rio Rancho, NM; Ralph Casaus and wife Doreen of Pecos, NM. Other survivors include twelve grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one sister Mary Gauna, a brother Catarino Casaus Jr. of Fort Sumner. Rosary services were held at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, November 18, 2001 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, November 19, 2001 from the church with Father Stephen Schultz, celebrant of the Mass. Burial with military honors followed at St. Anthony Cemetery. Pallbearers were Silver Chavez, Fred Lucero, Charlie Casaus, Jesse Casaus, Gilbert “Chon” Casaus, and Elias Barreras. All arrangements entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home, 804 North Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico.