Nicolas Castillo

Rev. Nicolas L. Castillo Jr., age 69, of Bayard, NM came to the sunset of his life on March 12, 2011. Nicolas was born in Santa Rita, NM on January 5, 1942. He was the son of Nicolas P. Castillo Sr. and Delfina Lopez Castillo. He attended Cobre High School, but left short of graduation to pursue his calling and join the ministry at the young age of 17 years old. He dedicated his entire life to the service of the Lord and held true to his calling until his passing day. Nicolas was ordained to the ministry in 1960 and began his service to the Lord as an evangelist in the states New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.

During this period, he also ministered to a congregation in Casper, Wyoming. Upon his return to New Mexico in the late 1960's, he assumed the ministry of his father, Nicolas P. Castillo Sr. at the Apostolic Church in Bayard, New Mexico where he served in this capacity for number of years. In early 1977, he founded and established the Evening Light Tabernacle serving as its Pastor until his death. His favorite pastimes included spending time with his family, restoring his 1953 Oldsmobile and other collectible automobiles, traveling, camping, bird watching, playing his guitar and saxophone, and listening to music. He had a deep love and appreciation for mocking birds and the beautiful melodies they could sing.

He is survived by Lydia Leyba Castillo, his wife and constant companion of 48 years. His memory lives on through his children and their spouses; Mark Anthony Castillo and his wife Sandra, Maria Martina Sublasky, Israel Cirilo Castillo and his wife Anna Liza, and Joshua Daniel Castillo and his wife Narges. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren including Mark, Jessica, Josiah, Corina, Jennifer, Nicolas, Zeta, and Savion. His surviving siblings include Robert, Rudy, Macario, Joshua, Samuel, Nahum, Aurora, Noemi Corbly (Don), Lydia Garcia (Bernabe), Deborah Perez (Mike), Delfina Gallegos (Joe), and Jemima Bauch (Richard) He has numerous nephews and nieces across the United States and abroad. He was preceded in death by his son Nicolas L. Castillo III, his parents Nicolas & Delfina Castillo, and his siblings including Abednego, Manahen, Esther, Maria Martina, Frank, Bernabe, and Joseph. Many words can be used to describe Nicolas, but in the eyes of those who loved him and knew him very well - he was a beacon in the midst of a storm – someone you could always depend on. He was a man of high integrity, and was a consummate and living example of a true Christian. He lived a life of dedicated service often putting the needs of others before his very own, and never expected anything in return. He believed that eternal life was living for others and touched countless lives through his ministry and fellowship.

Please join us in celebrating his life's journey and the unwavering service he gave to performing God's work on earth. An evening service will be held on March 17th, 2011, at 7:00 pm at Terrazas Funeral Homes. The funeral service will be held on March 18th, 2011 at 10:00 AM, officiated by the Rev. Roy Carpenter, of [City, State]. Nicolas will be laid to eternal rest at Memory Lane in Silver City, New Mexico following the funeral service. Rest in peace, dear Nicolas. You were an amazing Pastor, and a benchmark example of a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. May your memory live on forever.