Douglas Wayne Casses

Douglas Wayne “PawPaw” Casses, 58, of Buffalo Gap, TX took his first pain-free breath of Heaven on July 12, 2021.  Douglas Wayne Casses was born October 13, 1962 in Beaumont, TX to Nancy Belle Thurston and Joseph Patrick Casses, Sr.. 

Douglas is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Casses, daughter Misty Calk and husband, Christopher, daughter Mandy Neely and husband Benjamin, and daughter Melissa Whitaker; brother Joseph Casses and wife Diana; sister Debbie Burton, and sister Kathy Saulsbury; dad, Patrick Miller; grandsons Isaac Neely, Daniel Calk, Gavin DeRanieri, Perry Reynard, Evan Calk and Liam Calk; granddaughters Isabel Neely, Sara Neely, Ava Neely and Zoe Johnson, many nieces and nephews, and a host of daughters, sons and grandchildren of choice.  Douglas was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Wade Burton. 

Friends and family are invited to share memories at his visitation at New Beginnings Church, 5535 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, TX, on Friday, July 16, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. His memorial service will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at New Beginnings Church, officiated by Rev. Jonathan Neely and Rev. James Kilgore II. Pallbearers will be Isaac Neely, Daniel Calk, Spencer McCarty, Chase Blackwell, Colby Blackwell, Brad Casses and Mack Cates. Honorary pallbearers will be Evan Calk and Liam Calk. He will be laid to rest at Buffalo Gap Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to The Hope of Shades Foundation.

Douglas’s wife, children and grandchildren were his life. He married his soulmate, the love of his life, Rose Mary Comeaux, on August 4, 1983 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Doug and Rose had an electricity between them. His face lit up any time she came near. He was extraordinarily proud of his family. He made his girls sing for anyone who would listen, including his nurses at the hospital.

He treasured books and loved studying God’s Word and psychology. He graduated from Texas Bible College with a B.A. in Theology and a Christian Counseling certification.  An ordained minister with the United Pentecostal Church, he ministered and taught in various churches and founded The Bible Church in Nederland, TX. He was a skilled writer and published his book, “Sovereignty Produced” in 2013.

He devoured music of every genre and enjoyed karaoke nights with family and friends, cooking magnificent Cajun food, and fishing and crabbing on the Gulf coast.  Even while enduring chronic pain for 41 years, he loved laughing and making people laugh. He wore a “Pawpaw” t-shirt from his vast collection every day, and sported cheesy Tabasco and cartoon character neckties at formal occasions.

His voice was gravelly and deafening, and his laugh was a distinctive “Heh! Heh! Heh!” with mouth wide open and eyes crinkled almost shut with mirth. You could find him in any store by listening for his whistle.  He sang from his soul through joy, heartache and everything in between, with a voice splintered rough around the edges and velvet smooth in the middle.

Douglas was a scholar of God’s Word, studying daily for hours.  His writing and teaching were brilliant, yet he offered his wisdom in a simple, humble manner that anyone could understand.  His most profound sermon, though, was the unassuming life he lived. He impacted everyone he met, and his influence is engrained in the hearts of the ones he loved so fiercely.  He never met a stranger.  If he knew you, you were family. 

Above all, Doug loved Jesus with everything he had. He walked with God, and it was instantly evident to anyone who crossed his path. He fought well and hard. He finished his race. He kept the faith. And on the morning of July 12, the soldier laid down his sword and finally heard the words he had prepared for his whole life: “Well done. It’s time to come home.”

Special thanks to Hendricks Home Health, the physicians, nurses and healthcare staff who provided such excellent care; New Beginnings Church family, Shades of Hope staff and the Buffalo Gap community for your love, support and meals; and the McCarty family for your overwhelming love and generosity.