Luis Casanas

After a courageous 7 month battle with MDS, Luis passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX. He was born in Cali, Colombia and was preceded in death by his parents and all his sisters and brothers. He held dual citizenship in both Colombia and the U.S. and was proud of both. During his life he lived in New York City, Ohio, Louisiana, Venezuela, Colombia and finally settled in Houston (Cypress), TX. Luis worked in various jobs in the oilfield business. He was employed by Veto Gray in Venezuela and Louisiana, and traveled to Europe, Africa, S. America and other countries on international assignments. Other employers include Groth Equipment, Seaboard Wellhead, Baker (oil tools), Gulf Coast Modification, and Venturetech/Swivel Engineering. He possessed excellent manual skills as a machinist and held various certifications with his skills. He excelled in sales skills as well. Next to his love for his family was his passion for soccer, both playing and watching. He played semi-professionally and professionally for Deportivo Cali and also NY Cosmos in addition to a team in Cleveland. It was an important part of his entire life. He also loved dancing to salsa music, accompanied by a shot glass of aguardiente. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, sons Bryan of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Daniel of the home as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Houston, Chicago, Puerto Rico and Colombia. Gloria would like to express her gratitude to Mr. Tarum, her fellow teachers as well as to the parents of her students for their kind support during the last several months. She appreciates the caring acts of kindness by Daniel's scout troop as well. She is also grateful for all of Luis' doctors and nursing and hospital staff at Methodist Hospital-Willowbrook and especially in the Infusion Center, in addition to his doctors, nurses and staff and their compassionate care at MDAnderson Hospital. She also appreciates all his caring friends, neighbors and family who came to visit him. A service was held on Monday, May 8 at Gateway Church in Hockley. If desired, and in loving memory of Luis, please consider a donation to Gateway Church, 25314 Zube Rd., Hockley, TX 77447; son Daniel's college savings plan-Merrill Edge Advisory Center, College Savings Plan-ME, FBO Daniel M. Casanas SME, P.O. Box 2044, Lakewood, NJ,08701 and reference account #8L2-11157; AA-MDS International Foundation, 4330 East West Highway #230, Bethesda, MD, 20814 or online at www.aamds.org; or donate the gift of life-blood-to a local blood bank in his name and memory, or a donation to your favorite charity in his name and memory.