Ernest Flores Castro, Jr.

Born February 3, 1932, in Sonora, Texas, Ernest Flores Castro Jr., known fondly as Ernie, was a beloved son, devoted father, cherished granddaddy, honored great-grandfather and trusted friend. The second son of Ernesto and Elvira Castro, Ernie grew up in a small town where his parents ran a neighborhood grocery store, fostering a deep sense of community and service. His father worked as a carpenter and owner of many rentals (often renting for free if the need arose) His parents modeled for him a deep love of Jesus, faith in the Lord’s provision and a love and service to the church. These are traits Ernie passed on to his family.

After graduating from Sonora High School, where he was voted “Most Likely to Be a Movie Star,” and he won medals in track, he attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, earning his degree in 1954. During his college years he won the Golden Gloves championship in boxing, was active in drama productions, social activities and church.

Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the Army, serving primarily at Fort Polk in DeRidder, Louisiana. There, he became involved in a large Baptist church and felt a strong call to youth ministry, which became a central theme of his life.

Upon completing his military service, Ernie pursued further education at Baylor University, earning a master's degree in education and became a life long fan of Baylor. He began his career as a youth director in DeRidder before continuing his studies at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he obtained a masters of divinity in Religious Education in 1961. He served as Youth Director at several Baptist churches, including First Baptist Church Duncan , First Baptist Church Norman, Oklahoma, and Metropolitan Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas. 

In 1978, after earning a Degree in Counseling, Ernie transitioned to private practice as a Mental Health Professional, dedicating his life to helping others well into his 80’s

His greatest joy was working with young people, he loved counseling, healing relationships, and guiding others toward a better life. In retirement, Ernie served on many mission trips to Romania, Mexico and Spain, creating an exchange program for Spanish students from Alfa Omega school in Denia , Spain to live with church families in Wichita. He remained active at Metro East, teaching Sunday School, volunteering for Vacation Bible School, and engaging with children, often getting down on the floor with the two-year-olds and always giving out candy to children after church .

Ernie’s passion for teaching and sharing the good news of Christ was evident throughout his life. The profound loss of his beloved wife, Carolyn Kenley Castro, in 2017, was a sorrow that marked his later years.

He is survived by his two daughters, Suzanne Castro-Miller (Steve) and Joan Elizabeth Miller (Stanley), along with eight grandchildren and twelve ( 3 more coming this winter) great-grandchildren.

Ernie Castro lived a rich life, dedicated to prayer and teaching about Jesus. He loved church,family and friends; he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held to honor Ernie’s life and contributions at Metro East Baptist on Saturday at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Metro East mission fund, 333 N. 143rd St. E., Wichita, KS 67230.