Deral Grey Castle, known to most as Pappa D, passed away on July 1st, 2020. He was born in Eupora, Miss. on May 28th, 1932 to Hays Delashman Castle and Ruby Bowen Castle. He moved to Pachuta, Miss. when he was 7. He grew up helping his dad run the family sawmill along with his three brothers, Hays Castle, Hilmon Castle and Harroll Castle. He went to Jones County Junior College and played football there. His second season he was voted as captain of his team. He moved on to Trinity University and played football there before enlisting in the army (airborne) in 1954. He served his country in Anchorage, Alaska until 1956. After receiving his discharge, he went to Lake Charles, La where he enrolled at McNeese State University. He played football and received his diploma in Physical Education. At McNeese, he met his wife, Joncille Vestal. They were married 56 years until Joncille’s passing in 2013. His first child was born in 1958 and named D’Anne. He opened a savings and loan in Laurel, Miss. He had his second child in 1959 while living in Laurel named Keith. Sold the business and moved back to Lake Charles, La. Several months later he secured a job with the Harris County Health Department. His family packed up and moved to Houston. At this time, during 1962, Joncille birthed premature twin boys named Randy and Ricky. Unfortunately, one did not survive but Randy is fortunately, still with us. He worked for the county for 20 years rising to the level of Director for the Mosquito Control for several years. He retired from the county in 1981 and went to work for Hydro Services as a salesman. He rose to be the General Manager of Hydro Services until retiring in the early 2000’s.
He enjoyed coaching little league sports and was instrumental in moving the baseball fields of Windsor Little League to the location that they exist to date, back in 1971. He also coached in the F.U.N. football and was instrumental, along with others, in creating the South Main Mustangs in 1967. Upon moving to Fort Bend County in 1972, he continued his coaching of little league baseball, Senior League Division (13-15) and football with the Stafford Longhorns. He coached many players that went on to play high school, college and professional sports. The most famous being Roger Clements. In his later years, he began walking and met many good friends at the mall. He was of the many of the fixtures sitting in the food cart solving most of the world’s problems. He was a long-time parishioner of All Saints Episcopal Church in Stafford on Dulles Avenue.
He is survived by his children and their spouses D’Anne and Doug McGee, Keith and Jennifer Castle and Randy Castle. His brother Harroll Castle and his spouse Jaque. His brother in law, Skipper (Truett) Vestal and Barbara. Grandchildren Meygan Taylor and Chad, Ryan Castle, Kelly Castle, Matt McGee and Anna Castle. He also had one great granddaughter, Adelyn Taylor. He is also survived by 17 nieces and nephews, their spouses and their children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joncille, his parents, his son Ricky, two older siblings Hays and Hilmon, in-laws Alan and Peggy McCune and granddaughter Kathryn Grace Castle.
A memorial service will be held at a later date to be able to include all his friends and family. The family asks instead of sending flowers, make a donation to Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.
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