Mercedes (Joe) Castillo, Jr., age 76, of Corpus Christi, Texas went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, after a long illness. He was born on October 17, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas to Mercedes and Maria Elena Castillo.
Joe was a faithful Catholic who loved the Lord, his family, church, and community.
He graduated from Carroll High School and continued his education at Del Mar College, where he graduated with an Associate Degree in Industrial Middle Management.
In August of 1967 he met and married the love of his life, Angelica (Angie) Castillo. Joe met Angie at Buddy’s Grocery in Corpus Christi, Texas. Blessed with 55 years of marriage, they were inseparable and went everywhere together.
Joe enlisted in the US Navy Reserve in May 1968 and was immediately sent to Vietnam on the LST Tour on U.S.S. Pitkin County LST-1082 where they delivered rifles, guns, grenades, ammunition, clothing, and San Manuel beer, from the Philippine Islands to the service men. He was a Petty Officer 3rd Class E4 responsible for maintenance on the ship. From Vietnam, the ship traveled to Guam, Thailand, Bangkok, and the Philippine Islands. In November 1968, while Joe was in Vietnam, a nightmare came upon them at 4 a.m. as VC frogmen were underwater placing mines containing explosives on the adjoining ship, the U.S.S. Westchester County, LST -1167. It was the greatest single-incident combat loss of life for the U.S. Navy during the entire Vietnam war. Upon returning to the United States in 1969, Joe continued his tour in San Diego, California on the U.S.S. Fort Marian LSD-22. He received an honorable discharge in 1970 while in Bremerton, Washington. Joe was very proud of his military service and was loyal to his country.
He then moved back to his family in Corpus Christi, Texas and resumed his employment for the Department of Defense at CCAD where he worked for 31 years, retiring in 1997. After retirement, Joe took on part time jobs at various hotels performing maintenance.
Joe & Angie loved to travel and went to Branson, Missouri, Albuquerque & Santa Fe, New Mexico, Florida and Hawaii. They made many trips to visit family in Hillsboro & Amarillo and shopping in Fredericksburg. Joe enjoyed meeting people, loved to dance, garden, and spend time with his beloved dogs, Tina, Coco and Daisy.
Joe was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5919 from St Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. He enjoyed helping his brother Knights with BBQ’s and Fish Frys. He and Angie enjoyed the company of the brother Knights and their spouses often playing Chalupa.
He is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Yvonne “Bonnie” Castillo.
Joe was not only spiritually strong and compassionate, he also had a clever sense of humor. Joe leaves a legacy of love and integrity with his family and those who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Angie Castillo, of Corpus Christi, Tx, Daughter, Yvette Castillo, of Corpus Christi, Tx; Brother, Roger R. (Monica) Castillo of San Antonio, Texas; Nieces, Alyxandria and Dominique Castillo of San Antonio, Texas; Aunt, Lilly Robles and Cousin, Nelda Robles. And numerous extended Castillo and Acevedo family members and friends.
A public visitation for Joe will be held Friday, June 2, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Memory Gardens
Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A Holy Rosary will occur Friday, June 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 10:00 AM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A committal service will occur Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 11:00 AM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.
