Patsy Castanon

1930 - 2025

Patsy Castanon
September 20, 1930 - November 13, 2025
Patsy Kylene (Nesmith) Castanon, 95, passed away on Thursday, 13 November 2025 in San Antonio, TX after complications from a respiratory illness. She was born September 20, 1930 in Brownwood, Texas, the fifth child of John Kyle and Jessie Frances (Johnson) Nesmith. Her father was a railroad engineer for the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Company, Brownwood, Texas.

She graduated from Brownwood High School in 1949, as the Salutatorian (second) in her class. Throughout her school years she studied piano under the tutelage of Mae Brannon and gave her recital during her senior year. She attended the University of Texas, Austin and graduated in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in sociology. She was a member of the scholastic honor organization, Orange Jackets. After working several years for the Heart of Texas Girl Scouts Council, she moved to San Antonio to work as a Probation Officer for Bexar County.

She met Leopold Castanon, Jr. in 1959 and they were married on September 6, 1960 at the Central Christian Church, San Antonio. After graduation from St. Mary's University, Leo joined S. S. Kresge Co. (K-Mart) as a management intern and soon became one of the most successful managers in the Southwest.
Patsy gave birth to Christopher Castanon on August 2, 1964 in Baytown, Texas.

Leo was later posted to a Kresge Store in Puerto Rico in 1966 and they served there for three years. Eventually, Leo was posted to McAllen, where Leo managed the K-Mart and Patsy taught in the McAllen Independent School District. She was frequently recognized as the best fourth grade teacher. In 1992 – 1993 both Leo and Pat retired from their jobs and moved to San Antonio, where they purchased their retirement home on the northwest side.

Patsy volunteered for the San Antonio Genealogical Society for many years and researched many original families of early San Antonio. She thoroughly enjoyed genealogical work and wrote numerous historical backgrounds on numerous sites. She received numerous awards for her work at the society from: the Daughters of The Republic of Texas (member since 1998), and First Place award from Texas State Genealogical Society for a Manuscript of the family Lineage of Alfe'rez Francisco Hernandez (Leo's ancestor).

The Castanons owned a ranch near Zephyr, Texas for many years and built a ranch home there. Leo was busy hunting turkey and deer which inhabited that area. He dearly loved the time hon the ranch.

Later in their married life, Leo suffered complications from a fall and passed away on 21 November 2021.

She was proceeded in death by husband Leo, parents, Frances Lewis (sister), Theresa Counts (sister), and John Bill Nesmith (brother). She is survived by Chris (son), three nephews and two nieces, five grand nephews and four grand nieces, two great grand nephews and one great grand niece.

Memorial Service will be conducted at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1416 N. Loop 1604, San Antonio, Texas. Family visitation immediately follows in the Fellowship Hall.