Charles Espinosa Castillo

Charles was born in Houston, Texas to Juan and Enriqueta Castillo on February 20, 1945. He grew up in a family of 17 siblings which taught him to be humble, patient and to choose words wisely before saying anything. Charles attended Catholic school where his faith and education nurtured his character. Growing up in Bonita Gardens, he had a lively childhood and had many stories of the mischief that he, his siblings and friends got into. The neighborhood guys organized a baseball team and called themselves The Thunderbirds. This inspired the equally competitive girls in the neighborhood to form their softball team called The Lady Thunderbirds. Years later, Charles continued in his love of the sport in the capacity of an umpire. He was known for his booming voice calling “Strike!”, “Safe!” and “You’re Out!”.

Charles was married to Marina Flores Sugg (née Marina Flores Castillo), the mother of his children David Cruz Castillo and Denise Castillo Rath (née Denise Elaine Castillo).

In 1969, Charles was drafted into the Vietnam war, serving with the U.S. Bravo Company Bulldogs, Vietnam, Mekong Delta ’69-’72. Though reluctant to have to go to war, he came back home a proud veteran.

He later entered the workforce as a machine shop operator and was swiftly promoted to the ranks of shop supervisor, following his father Juan’s footsteps. He was employed by FMC, Western Gear Corp., Gray Tool, Lockwood Corporation, Cooper Industries, W.K.M. and finally with HISD as a Central Motor Pool Supervisor. When he finally decided to retire, he spent much of his time with friends and family, volunteering at The Belmont – Senior Living Facility where his brother John Castillo was a longtime resident. He also spent time at his local senior community center. He continued to be of service to his fellow veterans by coordinating picking up and dropping off those who needed medical help but did not have the means to travel to the Michael DeBakey VA Hospital.

Charles had a passion for spending time with friends golfing, traveling and taking long drives including destinations as far as New York City, San Francisco, CA (in a Winnebago), Mexico and more recently, Carbondale, IL. He was notorious for suggesting going on a drive to Galveston, Texas “for a cheeseburger”. He loved sports and cheered on all the Houston teams, but his favorites were the sports teams of UoH.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Enriqueta, sisters Rachel Mireles, Rosie Sanchez, Irene Perez, and brothers John Castillo and Steve Castillo, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is survived by his children David Cruz Castillo (Rose Marie Castillo) and Denise Castillo Rath; his grandchildren, Jonathan Jacob Rath and Celine Rose Castillo; siblings: Bill Castillo (wife Elvira +), Connie Garcia (husband Luis), Frank Castillo (wife Diana), Sister Rachel Castillo, Santiago “Jim” Castillo, Robert Castillo (wife Sylvia), Richard Castillo (wife Anna), Joseph Castillo (wife Cupid), Ana Longoria (husband Glen), Paul Castillo (wife Mary Alice), and Michael Castillo (wife Criselda); as well as many loving nephews and nieces.