John Gilbert Castillo

John G. Castillo, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 11, 1957, in Lockney, Texas, John was a beacon of light and laughter to all who knew him.

John was the cherished son of Gilbert and Isabel Castillo and was predeceased by his father, mother, brother Danny Castillo, and sisters Martha Castillo and Leonor Ellis. He is survived by his devoted spouse, Christine Castillo, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years of marriage, having wed on November 22, 1975, in Hale Center. Together, they built a beautiful family and a legacy of love that includes their children Christy, Mark, Valerie, Michael, and Heaven, as well as seven treasured grandchildren: Daniella, Jonathan, Nayelis, Serenity, Delilah, Ezekiel, and Elizabella.

A proud graduate of Hale Center High School's Class of 1976, John was known for his athletic prowess, participating in track, football, basketball, and the marching band. After high school, he continued to showcase his athletic skills on the Hale Center softball team. He was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman, and spent many joyful hours at the lake, indulging in the tranquility and beauty of nature.

John's life was marked by his dedicated military service. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 2013, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. His service took him across the globe, with postings at Ft. Riley, Kansas; Frankfurt and Heidelberg, Germany; West Point, New York; and Ft. Hood, Texas. After retiring from the military, John remained a steadfast supporter of his fellow veterans.

Throughout his 27 years of service in the Army, he served and deployed to places around the world, including the Persian Gulf War, Desert Shield/Storm, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Kosovo, Bosnia, Hungary, Albania, and Afghanistan. He dedicated so much of his life to serving his country.

Then there was his secret TDY to Stuttgart, Germany, where he spent a year on an assignment that was never disclosed. As he would always say, “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” He took that secret with him to the grave.

Known for his quick wit and warm smile, John brought joy and laughter to those around him. His sense of humor and penchant for jokes endeared him to family and friends alike, making every gathering a little brighter.

John's siblings, brother Ruben Castillo and spouse Diana of Hale Center; and sister Diann DeLeon Serrano and spouse Armando of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, along with his extended family, friends, and all who knew him, will deeply miss his presence.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, TX, for the compassionate care provided to John during his final days.

A service to celebrate John's life will be held on October 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Chong Hasang Catholic Church, located at 1000 Farm to Market 2410, Harker Heights, TX 76548. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in John's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

John's legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him. May he rest in peace.