Charles Castle

Throughout his rich life, Charles was guided by three ultimate passions: books, music, and gardening. Whether cultivating a beautiful melody, a rare collection of literature, or a vibrant flowerbed, he brought care, devotion, and harmony to everything he touched.

A Life of Learning and Literacy

Born on January 3, 1946, Charles possessed a lifelong curiosity and an insatiable love for books. After proudly serving his country as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Navy, he pursued higher education with fervor. His dual passions for order, history, and knowledge led him to earn Master’s degrees in both Musicology and Library Sciences.

Charles spent decades surrounded by the written word, sharing his knowledge as a dedicated librarian for several colleges. It was during his tenure at the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine that fate intervened, introducing him to a student named Brett Chandler Finch—who would become his husband.

A Passion for Harmony

Music was a cornerstone of Charles’s existence. He spent the majority of his adult life in Austin, Texas, where he embedded himself deeply in the local cultural fabric. A talented vocalist with a deep appreciation for classical and historical compositions, he was a proud, long-standing member of the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus. He also lent his talents to multiple choral and early music groups over the decades, bringing beauty, joy, and connection to everyone who heard him sing.

Cultivating Peace and Community

Alongside his love of literature and song, gardening was a true lifelong passion for Charles. He possessed a profound gift for nurturing living things and a generous spirit to match. He was always quick to offer his time and expertise, eagerly helping anyone who wanted advice, a helping hand, or guidance with their own gardens.

In 2018, Charles and Brett retired to the peaceful community of Bastrop, Texas. It was here that he fully immersed himself in the soil, finding immense joy and tranquility creating a vibrant, living sanctuary amid the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

Family and Legacy

Charles was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Bill and Aggie Castle.

His memory and legacy of love, literature, and song will be carried on by:

His devoted husband, Brett Chandler Finch

His stepdaughter, Narayana

His brothers, Patrick, Mark Jeffrey, Steve, and David

A vibrant community of friends, fellow musicians, neighboring gardeners, and extended family members.

Details regarding a memorial service will be shared by the family at a later date.