Obituary

Joe Castillo, 63, of Plainview, Texas, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2009, in Lubbock, Texas. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2009, at College Heights Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Robertson officiating. Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2009, at Kornerstone Funeral Home in Plainview, Texas. Joe "JoJo" Castillo was born Sept. 6, 1945, in Robstown, Texas, to Andres and Dominga Castro Castillo. He married Lydia Mendoza on Sept. 8, 1972, in Plainview. They were happily married for 36 years. He attended Olton High School where he excelled in sports, beginning with football in middle school and finally serving as co-captain of the Olton Mustang football team during his senior year. He was also involved in 4-H, where in his very first year at 12 years old he showed his grand champion steer named Pinnochio. He graduated from OHS in 1965. Joe attended South Plains College. Mr. Castillo was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1968-69 as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He continued to serve for his country, retiring as a master sergeant with Det 1 HHC 2/142nd Infantry of the Texas National Guard reserves. As a proud United States citizen, Joe Castillo then gave his time and effort to the U.S. Postal Service for 20 years. He gave back to the community of Plainview by serving as a substitute teacher for Plainview ISD, as transportation coordinator for Caprock Community Action and as a keynote speaker at community events during patriotic holidays. Mr. Castillo was a member of College Heights Baptist Church for 19 years where he served as a chairman of the deacons and was an active deacon and youth Sunday school teacher. He is beloved by many as a loving family man, community leader, spiritual figure and friendly neighbor. He is survived by his wife, Lydia Castillo of Plainview; one daughter, Sharell Aguirre, and husband, Ignacio, of Plainview; his mother, Dominga Castillo of Plainview; one brother, Andy Castillo of Plainview; three sisters, Felicia Alaniz and husband, Ricky, of Edinburg, Connie Raadt and husband, Mark, of Plainview and Leonor Ramos of Plainview; three grandchildren, Jordan, Lauren and Bobby Aguirre; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Andres Castillo. Memorial contributions may be made to College Heights Baptist Church, 802 Quincy St., Plainview, TX 79072.