Rudolfo “Rudy" Castilla, Jr.

Rudy Castilla was born in Harlingen, Texas on June 2, 1935 to Rudolfo and Concepcion Castilla. The family relocated to Houston, Texas when Rudy was two years old. He resided in the Houston area for the remainder of his life. Rudy graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1956 where he met his future wife, Shirley Gilpin. They married in 1956 and had three children together. Rudy served in the National Guard and the U.S. Army. Later in life, Rudy was remarried to Bonnie Krum and lived in Rosenberg, Texas for 25 years until her passing in 2009.

Rudy enjoyed life and lived it his way. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing and crabbing. He may not have invented “the fish story”, but he definitely profected it. Not only would the size of his fish grow with each telling of the story, but he had a gift for embellishment. He could tell ANY story, in his own way and make it funny. Everyone in the family has been entertained with his jokes and funny stories. Rudy loved music, especially country music. He was a walking reference of songs and singers. Rudy was a “natural” in the kitchen and loved cooking for family and friends, as well as large gatherings. We will miss the family gatherings where we all joined in to make tamales or enchiladas with his instruction.

Throughout his life he developed many friendships, but his greatest satisfaction was his love for his family and children. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them whenever possible.

Rudy Castilla was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Maria Eleanor Castilla; his children, Katrina Rudette McLeod, Kirby Castilla and Keith Castilla; his siblings, Vivian Trapolino, Philip Castilla, Yvonne “Bonnie” Reyna and Brother-in-law Lawrence Reyna as well as numerous much-loved grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank his beloved friend and caretaker Anna Licovitch.

A rosary service will begin at 4:30 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home on Saturday July 30, 2016. A service to celebrate his life will begin at 5:30. A reception will follow at the funeral home and friends are invited to share come and share remembrances.

In lieu of flowers, the family request live plants or donations be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.