John Edward Castle

Now resting in peace is John Edward Castle, born in Gilmore Texas to Bunker and Ethel Castle on June 24, 1925. John and his brother spent their early years in Texas and, after their mother died, moved with their father to Spokane Washington.

As an independent, young man, John broke wild mustangs in Montana, often sleeping under the stars and reciting cowboy music and poetry and teaching himself to play the harmonica.

At a young age John enlisted in the Army where he served in active duty for 5 years, including serving time in Japan. John was a devout Army man and later served 31 years in the Army National Guard.

John and his wife Ruth lived in Pasa Robles and Clovis, California and raised four children; Tanya, John ("Jay"), Betsy and Diantha. John was a public school teacher for over 30 years. His favorite subject was history and he took pride in opening up young minds to become independent thinkers.

Active politically, John hosted a TV and radio show for many years in which he discussed politics and hosted a variety of personalities. With courage, John navigated through controversy and took on many local issues of his day.

While living on a ranch in Clovis, John married his second wife Phyllis in September, 1989. The two later moved to Catalina, Arizona where they retired and maintained a half acre garden. John became Step Dad to Scott, Terri and Cindy Nelson.

At the time of his passing, John and Phyllis were living in Salinas, California where John still played his harmonica and sang cowboy music.

John is survived by his wife Phyllis, his 7 adult children, 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

A funeral service for John will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11:30 AM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 1525 E Saginaw Way, Fresno, California 93704. A committal service will occur Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706. A burial will occur at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N. Teilman Ave., Fresno, California 93706-1311.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Castle family.