Harry "Bill" William Castles, Jr.

He was born on November 21, 1927 in Springfield, the son of the late Harry William and Alice Berniece (Harris) Castles, Sr. He married Shirley Ruth Bolinger on April 2, 1949 at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church in Springfield. They were married for 66 years.

Bill worked as chief pharmacy tech at Memorial Medical Center Pharmacy in Springfield and later became the purchaser for the pharmacy. He volunteered at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, loved music, reading, gardening, woodworking, and traveling. He was a member of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church. One of Bill's favorite activity, though, was going to the Illinois State Fair. Whether it was attending fair week, going to the farmer's market, or just driving through the fairgrounds, he was always ready to go to the fair

Bill adored his wife, Shirley, his three daughters, his granddaughters, and his great grandchildren. They will all miss him terribly. Bill's life was devoted to his family. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his granddaughters and their kids. Bill was devastated by the loss of his first great grandchild, Zachary Chastain, in August. He and Zach had a special bond and we know they are now together In Heaven.

Bill is survived by his wife Shirley Castles of Springfield; 3 daughters, Patricia Gray, Terri Castles, and Carolyn "Sue" Castles, all of Springfield; 2 granddaughters, Jessica (husband Chris) Chastain of Springfield, and Amanda (husband Ben) Umberger of Taylorville, IL; 2 great-grandchildren, Isabella Chastain and Bennett Umberger; and his dog Duchess. Bill is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marilyn Castles, his nieces, Jo Ellen Croft and Beth Reinhardt and nephew, George Terry Castles, Jr. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his great-grandson Zachary Chastain and a brother George "Terry" Castles, Sr.

Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, where visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015 from 4 to 6 pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 at 11 am at the funeral home, with Rev. Julia Melgreen officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northside Children's Community Library or to Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, both in Springfield. Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where condolences may be left for the family.