Richard D. Castillo

Our Dad, Richard D. Castillo, went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 71. He was born on April 27, 1953, in Refugio, Texas to his parents Manuel F. Castillo and Anita Dominguez Castillo who have preceded him in death.
Our Dad, as a young man, worked beside his daddy and brothers in the fields and on the cattle ranch. He loved driving the tractor and "singing loud because no one could hear him." When he got older, he joined the Air Force, leaving Tivoli, Texas. He served his Country during the Vietnam War. The Air Force showed him the world. Our Dad was an Aerospace Ground Equipment Repairman and traveled from Lackland AFB in San Antonio to Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, and his service ended in Austin, TX.
Our Dad was a true "Girl Dad". He loved being an advocate for his girls. He took us fishing, snow skiing, camping, coached us in sports, heard us giggle and fight, and let us play with his hair. He pushed us to work hard as athletes, students and to finish what we started. He was a great example of what a man and father should be. He surrounded his family with his faith and went to church every Sunday. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and volunteered at church by being a Youth Minister and Eucharistic Minister. In the community, as a Santa, Volunteer Firefighter, with Veterans at the GI forum and in an Orphanage in Korea. He was never forced, he wanted to. He enjoyed helping and teaching us and others. He was very proud of us.
Our Dad loved our mom so much. They had incredibly reached their 50th Wedding Anniversary. He treated her like a queen and gave her everything. She loved him and they were true partners. He wrote her love letters when he was away, never separated, traveled together and were a team. He danced with her, held her hand and drank coffee outside with her. She loved all who loved him, and he loved all who loved her.
Our Dad loved his grandchildren. He followed them all around Texas, watching them play Football, Bowling, Baseball, Softball, Golf and Basketball. He watched them online if he couldn't go and cheered them on. He went to their academic awards, concerts, parties... you couldn't keep him away. He loved it.
Our Dad loved his family. His son in laws were his favorites. He loved them like sons he never had. He was a part of everyone's life. At some point, he touched everyone with a favorite laugh or memory. He was proud of his nieces and nephews. He loved to see the pictures on Facebook and would add his favorite clapping emoji.
Our Dad is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Davis Castillo; daughters Angela Valdez (George), Monica Castillo and Christina Escarcega (Daniel); grandchildren Ethan Valdez, Izaiah Valdez, Izabella Valdez, Avery Valdez, Daniel Escarcega, Cattalina Valdez and Dominic Escarcega; sisters Dolores Cervantes and Yolanda Patterson; brothers Manuel Castillo Jr. and Roy Castillo along with numerous family and friends. He is preceded in death by his brothers Joe Castillo and Johnny Castillo.
Our Dad will be dearly missed and will never ever be forgotten. He will live in our hearts and our memories. We will live everyday as a tribute to him in all that he has instilled in us.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church (Elmendorf, TX). Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.