Joe Rodriguez Castro

Joe Rodriguez Castro Jr., a man who embraced life with a chuckle and a smile, left this world on November 30, 2025, at the spry age of 81. Born on April 12, 1944, in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, Joe was a beacon of joy, laughter, and a little bit of mischief. He passed away as he lived, surrounded by love, in New Braunfels, Texas.

Joe's life was as colorful and delightful as one of his famous backyard barbecues. He graduated from St. Edwards High School, where he was as much known for his quick wit as for his athletic prowess. Joe's sense of humor was only matched by his sense of duty, which he demonstrated as a proud Air Force veteran stationed in Alaska. There, he learned that the only thing colder than an Alaskan winter was the freezer section at Weingarten's Grocery Store, where he later became a beloved manager for a decade in Houston.

In 2009, Joe married the love of his life, Mercedes Byrd-Castro, after a romantic comedy-worthy series of events that saw them meet at HEB, lose track of each other, and then miraculously reconnect at Walmart. Their aisle-walking ceremony on November 27th was less about the groceries and more about the vows they exchanged in Houston, Texas. Their union was one for the storybooks, full of laughter, love, and the occasional argument over who forgot to buy the milk.

A devout Christian, Joe lived his faith through his actions, always extending a helping hand and a joke to lighten the load. His post-Air Force career saw him transition from managing groceries to managing the freshest produce at HEB and Walmart. Customers often lingered in the aisles not just for the quality goods but for Joe's latest quip or story that invariably left them in stitches.

Joe's interests were as diverse as his resume. A doting grandfather, he could often be found teaching his grandkids the fine art of casting a line or the best way to throw a curveball. His love for computers was only rivaled by his passion for baseball, where he coached little league with the fervor of a major league manager. And who could forget his boxing days in the Air Force? He still had his gloves, and he wasn't afraid to shadowbox his way through a story or two about his glory days in the ring.

Joe's love for the outdoors was evident in his enthusiasm for fishing and visiting parks. He was a man who could find joy in the simple pleasure of a day spent in nature, or the complex logistics of planning family vacations that were equal parts adventure and stand-up comedy routines. His competitive spirit lived on through swimming and track, where he was always quick to remind everyone that he was "almost an Olympian, if you squint a little."

Described by friends and family as loving, kind, and funny, Joe's life was a masterclass in humor and humanity. He was the kind of man who could find the fun in the mundane, the silver lining in every cloud, and the punchline in every story. Joe's legacy is one of laughter, love, and a well-timed joke, ensuring that his memory will continue to bring smiles to faces for generations to come. The world may have lost a remarkable man, but heaven has gained a comedian, and we can only imagine the laughter he's spreading there now.