James Phillip “Phil” Castle met his Lord and Savior on November 17, 2021. Phil was born June 9th, 1947, and was raised and lived in Caddo Mills, Texas. As a young man, Phil served in the U.S Army in Korea. For over three decades Phil found his life’s work, and lifelong friendships, as a fireman and paramedic at University Park Fire Department. After retirement, he spent most weekends entertaining family, friends, and firemen at his house on Lake Texoma.
Phil’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He coached baseball and football teams, attended dance recitals, watched basketball games, and spectated every practice and event that involved his family. Phil especially loved his grandchildren and was proud to talk about their activities and accomplishments to all that would listen.
Phil loved to tell stories about his time in the Army and at the fire department. His stories were often shared while fishing at his favorite ponds in Farmersville and Throckmorton. He taught his loved ones many of life’s lessons while enjoying the fun of a heavy stringer of fish.
Phil was proceeded in death by Elmer J. and Lydia Castle. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Brenda Castle. Son, Chad Castle and wife, Kesleigh Castle, of Waco, TX. Daughter, Chata Franklin and husband, Travis Franklin, of Mansfield, TX. Son, Jamie Bethea and wife, Deaundra “Tater” Bethea, of Caddo Mills, TX. Son, Yancey Todd Bethea and wife Erin Bethea, of Kingwood, TX. Grandchildren, Kate Baker and husband Ryan Baker, Caroline Castle, Cortlan Castle, and Clayton Castle of Waco, TX. Corbin Franklin and Conley Franklin of Mansfield TX. Harris Bethea and Miles Bethea of Caddo Mills, TX. Phoebe Cooper of Los Angeles, CA, Adam Cooper and Dutch Bethea of Kingwood, TX.
Visitation is at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home on Sunday, November 21st from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Coker-Mathews Chapel on Monday, November 22nd at 11:00 a.m., with Clyde Bostick officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the United Methodist Church of Caddo Mills, where Phil was a faithful member.
