Joaquin Castro

Joaquin Mercado Castro Joaquin Mercado Castro of Visalia passed away on March 16, 2014 at the age of 83 waiting every day for God to call his name. He fought a courageous fight against cancer and passed away peacefully at home with his loving family around him. He was born August 16, 1930 in Madera California and moved to Earlimart, California in 1933. He attended Earlimart Elementary School and Delano High School. In 1951 he was drafted into the US Army and served in Btry D 26th AAA AW Bn (SP) APO 24. Joaquin fought in Korea while stationed in Korea and Japan. He was transferred to the Army Reserves March 15, 1953 and was Honorably Discharged August 30th 1956. Joaquin married Margaret Lopez (the girl next door) on December 19, 1954. This year would have been their Diamond Anniversary. He worked for Earlimart Elementary School District as a Custodian/Bus Driver for 27 years. He moved to Visalia, CA in 2000. Joaquin is preceded in death by his father, Roberto Castro; his mother, Seberiana Castro; his brother, Manuel Acosta; and his sister, Lorraine Armendariz. Joaquin is survived by his wife, Margaret Lopez Castro; his son, Joaquin Lopez Castro wife Josefina from Hanford CA; his daughter Susan Castro Lucero from Hanford, CA; his sister Lupe Castro Amaya husband Hector from San Clemente, CA; brother, Sam Castro from Fresno, CA; brother, Roque Castro from Porterville, CA; granddaughters Kimberly, Kelli and Stephanie Castro Nugent husband Justin, grandson David Lucero and Megan all from Hanford; nephews Hector and Patrick wife Darlene Amaya from Brea CA. Joaquin had 6 great-grandchildren who were the joy of his life and they loved Big Papa very much. He has many nephews and nieces that he loved and always asked about them. Joaquin also had a special place in his heart for his beloved dog, Scooter. Joaquin loved to travel and took trips to Europe, the East and West coast, as well as cruising tours. His best loved the trip was to Washington DC to see all the Veteran Memorials. He loved to eat all kinds of foods, loved soul and jazz music and fishing. He especially loved Morro Bay, his big rock (Morro Rock) and walking the beach with Scooter. Special thanks to Dr. Estrada of St. Agnes Oncology, Kaweah Delta Hospice (Special thanks to Laura, Lisa, Suzette, Angie and Andy), Pastor Steve Maynard, Dr. Bhaskar and Dr. Marconi. Salser and Dillard are handling funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Kaweah Delta Hospice. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 28, 2014 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel at 10 AM. Burial will be at Tipton-Pixley District Cemetery. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com