Cecil M. Castleman

Cecil Muriel Castleman, 97, passed away on August 29, 2024, in Abilene, Texas. A visitation will be 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Thursday, September 12, 2024, in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM immediately following the visitation.

Cecil was born on August 19, 1927, to Sylvester and Tiney Castleman in Lamesa, Texas. He married the love of his life Joy Duckworth on July 14, 1955.

Cecil is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joy; and one brother, Chester.

Left to cherish the special memories are his children, Brenda Ball and husband Jim, Kathrine Freire and husband Derek, Ken Castleman and wife Tonya, and Wes Castleman and wife Donna; his grandchildren, Christina Ball, Matthew Ball, Crystal Castleman, Rebecca Freire-Castleman, Shawna Freire, Ryan Castleman, Amanda Hilsberg and husband Kyle, and Joshua Castleman; his great grandchildren, Jadeth Castleman, Izabella Castleman, Hayden Hilsberg, Jackson Hilsberg, Hayes Hilsberg (due in November) and Baron Castleman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Cecil was born in Lamesa, Texas to two wonderful Christian parents. They gave him the foundation of putting his strong faith in Christ. His parents eventually moved to Hobbs, New Mexico for work. While he was living in Hobbs, he met Joy who was a carhop at a drive-in that he would visit. Joy became the love of his life. They fell in love and were married in 3 weeks and that marriage lasted for 68 years until Joy's passing in April of this year. Over the years, they had 4 children and the whole family would move from state to state for work as they decided early on to keep the family together. They all traveled together, moving about 3 times a year, to as many as 10 states. Cecil was passionate about being with family when he wasn't working. On Sundays, he would take the family to scenic locations in the area where they were living and enjoy the day. He enjoyed being with family, he delighted in his company (Ranger Plant Constructional), and he loved Jesus. He had an incredible passion for life and would not let anything slow him down. When he retired, he played golf almost every day, worked outside their home diligently, and read his Bible regularly. His love of travel was a big part of him as he loved the mountains, rivers, National Parks, and all the beauty of God's creation. His love for family has been passed down to the next generation creating a legacy for his children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren.