Niel Watkins Castleton

1938 - 2025

Niel Watkins Castleton 87, of Pocatello, Idaho passed away in his home on April 10, 2025.

Niel was born in Malad, Idaho on February 21, 1938, to Leonard Stephen and Sarah Mae Castleton.

Niel graduated from Montpelier High School in 1956. He worked for Philip's 66 where he met the love of his life, Diane Beckwith. They were married in 1958, in the LDS Logan Temple. During this time, they had three beautiful children, Kathleen, Wendy Leigh, and Richard Niel.

Eventually Niel moved his family to Pocatello, Idaho to manage the Western Auto Store. While working for the Western Auto Store, he was offered a position with Carter's Printing and Bookstore. Niel eventually bought the business, and Diane became the bookkeeper. Together they turned it into a thriving company where he secured printing contracts with ISU, American Microsystems Inc., the local high schools, mortuaries, and other larger companies within the community. They also added two other children to the family with the birth of their son, Ross Jay, and daughter, Tiffany.

Niel and Diane were very devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Niel had a strong testimony and a great love for the Savior, Jesus Christ. He served as a Bishop for five years in the Pocatello 29th Ward. He later served as a Cub Scout Leader, taught the LDS Gospel Doctrine Class, and held other leadership positions within the church.

Niel loved the outdoors and had a great appreciation for the beauty that came with it. He enjoyed yard work and making his house a home where any visitor felt the love within. His true passion was his woodwork. He created beautiful works such as furniture for his home and for his children, as well as toys for his grandchildren. His ingenuity extended well beyond his woodwork, and there were very few problems for which he could not create a solution. Finally, Niel had a soft spot for the four-legged critters in his life. He loved all of the family pets that came along, he thoroughly enjoyed his grand-dogs, and especially loved the most recent dog in his life, a beagle named Scout.

Niel will be lovingly remembered by the love of his life, wife of 66 years, Diane; children Kathleen, Wendy Leigh (Akki), Richard Niel, Ross Jay (Mathel), and Tiffany (Craig); grandchildren, Richard Harrison, Renea (Jake), Jordan (Amalia), Justen (Emily), Randee (Adrian); great grandchildren, Rainy Rose, Scarlet, Remmington Ross, River Jordan, Maggie May; brother, Leonard Gerald, four-legged grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends.

Niel was preceded in death by his father and mother, Leonard Stephen and Sarah Mae Castleton, his sister, Barbara (Harold), and granddaughter, Cynthia Diane.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 11 am at the Montpelier Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared at wilksfuneralhomes.com