What’s Up South Texas!: Avid walker, musician inspires others to get up and move

Helotes – A Helotes musician and avid walker is hoping his story inspires others to stay active.

Richard Rawls, 66, is known as Casper, his stage name.

“I have played music since I was a little boy,” Rawls said. “I play at clubs and have been doing that forever. I love it. I am still so in awe with the great players out there. I learn so much about music that I didn’t know.”

When Rawls is not playing his guitar in different bands, neighbors can catch him walking throughout their neighborhood with his dogs.

“He is very visible in the neighborhood,” said John Meyers, his neighbor. “He walks many, many miles. You can just see him constantly walking. He has become an icon.”

While walking, Rawls always engages with his neighbors or people passing by.

“He is just a wonderful person,” Meyers said. “One of those guys who always has a smile on his face. He never turns a person away and will talk to you for hours if you wanted to. We love him in the neighborhood. He is like a flower in the desert. Just a very special guy.”