Felipe Ramon Castillo, 94, went to be with his Lord on February 14, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia while surrounded by family. He was born in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico on October 22, 1931 to Ramon Castillo-Lopez and Dolores Lopez-Rodriguez Castillo.
Felipe joined the United States Army in 1950 and was trained as an 11C. His deployments included two combat tours in Korea and two in Vietnam. Felipe also served in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Wiley Barracks, Germany; Butzbach, Germany; and Fort Benning, Georgia. While in Germany, he met and married, the love of his life, Theodora Lipay. They celebrated 61 wonderful years of marriage in April 2025. After serving for 23 years, Felipe retired as a Sergeant First Class from the Army in 1973.
From 1977 to 1987 Felipe was an advisor for Vinnell Corporation where he trained the Saudi Arabian National Guard in the tactical operation of mortars.
After returning home, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and leather tooling. Additionally, Felipe was active in senior league volleyball and softball. What made him most happy was the volunteer work he did with infants and toddlers at St. Luke Early Learning Center.
Felipe is survived by his wife Theodora (Lipay) Castillo; his daughter Dolores Fisher and her husband Bruce; his granddaughter Stephanie House and her husband Todd; and his great-granddaughter Rhys House.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made in the memory of Felipe R. Castillo to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A Rosary will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in the Fisher Chapel, located at 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907, on February 24, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Following the Rosary, a Visitation for Family and Friends will take place at the same location from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2000 Kay Cir, Columbus, Georgia 31907, on February 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
The Committal Service will occur at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL-165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama 36856, on February 25, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST.
