Dear Shirley I was so saddened to hear of Charlie's passing. Nappy Yates had heard from John Santamaria and contacted me with the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of transition. Charlie has always been a hero of mine and I have often shared with others my indebtedness to him. When I started working at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in 1992, he was right across the hall from me. Many times I would go over to seek his counsel. He was always an encourager, always referring to every challenge as "a piece of cake." One day I received a phone call from the attorney I had replaced. He was questioning my legal opinion on an issue. I put him on hold and went over to Charlie to ask him what he thought. He told me that my predecessor had had the same opinion as mine when he had been at ROB. Charlie asked if he were still on the phone. I responded he was. Charlie reached over, picked up the phone and began berating the other attorney for changing his mind once he?d left ROB. After a good 45 seconds of uninterrupted tongue lashing, Charlie suddenly stopped talking. The color left his face. He then responded, ?Yes sir. I?m so sorry, sir. This won?t happen again, sir.? He hung up the phone and told Deb Holt, his secretary, and me that he needed to start packing because he knew he was going to get fired. He had picked up the wrong line and interrupted the commander who was in a conversation with the wing commander. Deb and I started laughing so hard we could barely stand up, tears streaming down our faces. I?ll never forget Charlie?s expression and he stared into space contemplating his uncertain future. I have missed Charlie often since your return to the States. My hope is that during this time of grieving, you will be comforted by all of the warm memories you have of the times spent together. I am sure he would want it that way. If there is anything that Tiffin and I can do to help you out in any way, please let me know. Our home number is 49 06373-892489. Please know that we have been praying for you and your family: for strength, for support and for you all to experience God?s love and care at this time. Trent

I am very sorry to hear about the death of Charly! I have not worked very closely with Charly, but I have listened to many conversations where his name was mentioned with utmost respect for his knowledge, can-do attitude and in-depth knowledge of contracting. In listening to the "war-stories", I always whished we had more professionals like Charly Casteel! My deep sympathy goes to the family! Marianne Seufert

Charlie and I knew each other for over thirty years, and I don't know anyone whose professional knowledge and ability were more universally respected than his. He was THE person I'd look to for advice, results, and most of all, a straight answer. But more than that, he was a good friend - and I'll miss him. May God grant Charlie, Shirley, and all his family peace and comfort.

As a fellow airman, I appreciate his service to our country.

Shirley, 
In this time of great sorrow I pray that you will also have joy when you remember special moments with Charles -- those times that made you laugh and those times when just his presence was enough to make it a happy occasion.

Dear Casteel Family: It is with deepest sadness that I extend my condolences to you on the loss of your beloved. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service and dedication to our great country. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.

Charlie was a wonderful man with an incredible mind. It was a great pleasure and privilege to have worked with him and learned from him. He was a tough cowboy with a heart the size of Texas and an unfailing gift for humor. I am blessed to have known him, and I will miss him very much.

Shirley & Family, 
 Thinking about you in your time of loss. May his journey in eternal life be a peaceful one. God Bless you and your family in this emotional time. 
Love, 
Kris, Mandy, & Madeline Coughenour 
Bethany & David Stanley 
Cathy Coughenour

Shirley and Family, 
Charlie will be missed. He was a wonderful friend and great co-worker. His thoughtfulness to us girls here at 37 CONS on Valentines Day after he retired was always so sweet. I will miss his smile and his positive attitude. May God bless you and your family during this time. 
With much love and best regards, 
Susan Edwards

Shirley, My most vivid memory of Charlie is how he spoke about you - he loved you so. Elaine

Dearl Shirley and family, Please accept our most hearfelt sympathies for your loss. Charlie was very kind and patient with our young firm and we'll always remember the advice with which he was very generous. Frank Morales and all your friends at the Muscogee Creek Nation.

Charlie was a kind and gentle man, a true gentleman. His knowledge and expertise were beyond what most of us hope to obtain. He will be greatly missed by everyone he knew.

Charlie, you will be missed. My life has been blessed with having known you and worked with you. I wish you all the Peace you deserve on your eternal journey.

Ed was a wonderful neighbor. I truly enjoyed our many visits in the front yard or chatting over the back fence. I could always count on his green thumb to help me fix a problem in the yard. We will miss him.

OBITUARY

Charles M. Casteel USAF SMSgt Jr. Ret.

December 16, 1938 – January 25, 2009

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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