CWO2 (Ret.) Jose Antonio Castellanos

Funeral services will be held in the Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. with reverends David Rathel, Tommy Green, and Jesus Castellanos officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, Alabama. Visitation will be on Monday, November 11, 2013, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary.

Jose was born on February 26, 1933, in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He graduated from high school in 1951, then immediately joined the United States Army serving our country in Korea, Massachusetts, and Germany, participating in the Korean War and Vietnam War for two tours, ultimately being stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, where he retired in 1974 as Chief Warrant Officer 2. He served in many capacities through the years to include Owner/Operator of The Tree House Nursery and Day Care Center, Jay Pontiac-Dodge, Manager of Magic Market Stores, Harmon VW, O&M Motor Company, and Anna Marie’s Catering Company. He graduated from Columbus State University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education. He was a faithful member of Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia, for more than 40 years serving as a Deacon and Sunday School Director. He was an active member of the Gideon’s International with his best friend, Lewis Massey.

Jose was married to Noemi Lopez Castellanos on January 8, 1955, and they shared 58 wonderful years together. They have five children: Jose Castellanos, Jr. of Columbus, GA, Carlos Castellanos (Linda) of Silver Creek, GA, Ivette Hutchins (Brent), Tito Castellanos, and Sonia Castellanos, all of Columbus, GA. They have ten grandchildren: Melissa Castellanos, Vanessa Rusch, Justin Rusch, Alex Castellanos (Grace), Philomena Coley (Dewayne), David Hutchins, Joseph Castellanos, Julie Hutchins, Austin Castellanos, and Andrew Hutchins, and 11 precious great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four siblings, Julio Castellanos of Tampa, FL, Carlos Castellanos of Whitting, NJ, Julie Araujo of Bronx, NY, Jesus Castellanos of Tampa, FL, and their spouses.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Noemi, his parents Jose Pilar and Maria Mojica Castellanos; and daughter-in-law Anna Marie Castellanos.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the John B. Amos Cancer Center. Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.