Benjamin Edmundo Castro passed away April 5th, 2020 at the age of 86, in his hometown of El Paso. Mr. Castro was born August 22nd, 1933 in El Paso, Texas. He was a proud graduate of Austin High School and University of Texas El Paso. Mr. Castro served proudly in the United States Navy during the Korean War as a Naval Airman where he flew early warning all weather flight. Mr. Castro retired from the County of El Paso after 35 + years of service. He started with the El Paso County as an interpreter for the County Courts at Law. Mr. Castro was subsequently hired as the Director of the El Paso County Juvenile Detention Center and served for 5 years. Mr. Castro was then appointed as the El Paso County Court Administrator where he administered the criminal docket for the El Paso County Courts at Law. He was union president for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees El Paso council. Mr. Castro was the driving force in establishing the first pension and retirement plans for the employees of the County of El Paso. This entailed presenting and lobbying the Texas State House and Senate to approve and adopt the first retirement plans for El Paso County employees. He was also instrumental in developing the first information technical services program (CJIS) which linked the El Paso County Courts with inmate intake of the El Paso Sheriff’s department and the El Paso Police department, the first ever of such integration in El Paso.
Mr. Castro was an active parishioner of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Ben met the love of his life, Amelia, while attending a picnic with friends. She supported his efforts in career and family every step of the way, they were married for 60 years before her passing in 2019. Together they had five children; Rebecca Seufert (John), Elizabeth Castro-Andrews (Paul), Corina Van Haselen (Joe), Arthur Castro (Wendy) and Christopher Castro. He is preceded in death by his wife Maria Amelia Castro and his son in law John Seufert. He is survived by his sister Irma Hunnicutt (Kent), sister in law Carmen Mendez, his five children and his eight grandchildren; Jack and Hadley Seufert, Max and Aidan Andrews, Zach and Averi Van Haselen, and Benjamin and Elaine Castro.
His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage facing challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Ben came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. He will be deeply missed by his entire family as the strong silent dry humored patriarch.
The Family wishes to express sincere gratitude and thanks to Anjelica Lopez, his caregiver in his final years.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with Vigil beginning at 6:30 pm at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Avenue. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 11, 2021 at 9:00 am at Saint Patrick Cathedral, 1118 North Mesa. Interment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 11:00 am with military honors.
