Wilbert "Cas" Castaneda

Wilbert “Cas” Castaneda, a veteran of the Vietnam War and retired CMSgt of the US Air Force, passed away in May 22, 2025 surrounded by family. Cas was born in San Benito, TX on June 14, 1939 to Jose Paz and Josefina (Zarate) Castaneda and attended Vanderbilt High School in Vanderbilt, TX before enlisting in the US Air Force on June 11, 1958.

Cas faithfully served his country for 30 years before retiring on July 1, 1988, his last duty station being Senior Enlisted Advisor on Anderson AFB, Guam. During his time in the US Air Force, he served three tours of duty in Vietnam and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroic actions while acting as a crew chief. Cas didn’t speak much about his service in Vietnam, but was proud to be a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society and active in the Veteran community. In addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Cas received other medals and honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf cluster), Air Medal (4 Oak Leaf clusters) and many more.

While serving in the USAF, Cas received his associate degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology from the Community College of the Air Force and his Bachelor of Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Following his retirement, he received three Master degrees from Webster University in Human Resources Development, Management and Business.

Cas continued to serve his country while working as a civilian contractor managing the maintenance depot at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, TX. In 2000, he moved to Angier, NC and managed the ABC Warehouse located in Raleigh, NC before retiring and starting his own consulting business.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11:00 am in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 am, just prior to the service. A committal service with military honors will follow the service in Pinecrest Memorial Park, and a reception with light refreshments will be held at the funeral home following the committal service.

Cas is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jesus “JC” Castaneda, sister Alicia Vallejo, and son Michael Castaneda. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Patricia Castaneda from Goodman, MO, his sons Matthew Castaneda and Adam (Amanda) Castaneda, his grandsons Micah (Destiney) Castaneda and Nathan Castaneda and his great-grandchildren Jace and Liliana, his brother Ric (Carmen) Castaneda and sister Mary Helen Amott.