John Pryor Castleman Jr.

1939 - 2023

Born in Lexington, KY on Jan. 7, 1939, to John P. and Mary Jane Castleman. John was the elder of two brothers, Breaux and Michael, to whom he was forever devoted. The family lived in Louisville until 1952 when they trekked to Midland, TX. John attended the Woodberry Forest School in Orange, VA and Williams College of MA, graduating in 1961. John was athletic, excelling at football, baseball and golf throughout high school and college. John married Jessie Fay Oliver of Midland in 1961; and had a daughter, Pryor and twin sons, Ballard and Rives. John began his lifelong career as an independent in the oil and gas exploration business in 1965. He also got his pilot license and bought his first Beechcraft Baron airplane. In 1969 the family moved to Amarillo to join a public cattle and oil and gas exploration company. While in Amarillo he made many lifelong friends, good hunting and skiing in Taos. In 1973 the family moved to Dallas. The mid-1990's would lead John on a decade of international energy projects, through Canada, China, Africa and finally Australia. In 1997, John co-founded and led Sydney Gas Company in Sydney, Australia exploring coal bed methane in New South Wales. John would "commute" to Sydney until re-settling in Dallas in 2006, retiring at 80 years of age. John married Vicky Watson in 1986, the love of his life. John and Vicky enjoyed golf, hunting, traveling, family and entertaining friends. John was internationally known for his long stories and infectious laugh. A longtime member of Brook Hollow Golf Club, John would serve two terms on the Board of Governors. He made many friend while serving in The Salesmanship Club of Dallas. John would lead Williams College Southwest Development Committee from 1986 - 1989. From 1982 - 1992, he served on the Board of Trustees of Woodberry Forest School, chairing the Board from 1989-1992, which John would often say was one of the most rewarding endeavors of his life. John is survived by his loving wife Vicky, daughter Pryor Lancaster, son Ballard Castleman and wife Tracy, and son Rives Castleman and wife Helen. Known as "Grammer," John's nine grandchildren include Lynch Lancaster and fiancé Logan Grant, Emily Lancaster; Blakely, Rives and Campbell Castleman (Ballard) and Sloane and Shea Castleman and Julia and Elliott Bell (Rives). John was thrilled to meet and rock his great grandson, Wells Pryor Lancaster. His retirement years were spent similarly to his previous 80: family, friends, traveling and entertaining with long stories and that infectious laugh. You will live in our hearts forever, Grammer! For more information please visit www.sparkman-hillcrest.com A private service will be held at a later date.