Leonard Eli Castro, age 80, passed away on August 9, 2014 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 3, 1933 in Houston, Texas and grew up in the Fifth Ward as a proud Native Houstonian. He attended Sherman Elementary School, John Marshall Jr. High School, and was a proud graduate of St. Thomas High School, Class of 1953. He served his country in The United States Navy for four years, and attended The University of Houston, majoring in Industrial Design.
He was happily married for 58 years to Dolores Quinones Castro (Dee), whom he met when she was 6 years old and he was 8 years old. He and Dee were blessed with three beautiful and talented children, Victoria (Vicki), Leonard, Jr. (Chip), and Susan. Leonard worked in the oil business for over 40 years, traveling to every continent on the globe except Australia and Antarctica. He and Dee lived several years in Venezuela where he worked on several projects. His son, Leonard Jr. (Chip), was born in Maracaibo during that time. In the 1960's, Leonard worked on the Alaska Pipeline. Later, the entire family moved to England where he worked on projects in The North Sea.
Returning to Houston from England in 1973, he took a sabbatical from the oil business and fulfilled a couple of the items on his "bucket list." Like all good Texans, he bought some acreage, built a cabin, and raised catfish in his pond. This was the first of two places he owned in Fayette County over the span of 25 years. He also bought Band Construction Company, and for several years, he and Dee ran a successful remodeling business. He joined The Greater Houston Builder's Association and in 1975 was named "Remodeler of the Year." He was presented a commemorative plaque by Mayor Jim McConn and this was one of Leonard's proudest achievements.
When he sold his business, he returned to work in the oil business, where he continued to travel and work in such places as Africa, Indonesia, and several countries in South America. Leonard was also a natural born artist. He always thanked his Lord for giving him his talent for art and his ability to "see" things, design and construct them. He loved to build things for his grandchildren; jewelry for his granddaughters and weaponry and tools for his grandsons.
Leonard was an old-fashioned gentleman and was always polite. For example, from his father, he learned to always carry two handkerchiefs, one for himself and one for a lady in distress. Leonard always loved to dance. From the age of 12 or 13 he began to dance socially and was his sister's favorite partner as they were growing up. Later, he and Dee loved to cut a rug on the many, many cruises they took together.
Welcoming Leonard into Eternal Life are his parents, Lottie and Gregory Castro, and brothers Gregory, Jr., and Jimmy Castro. Carrying Leonard's spirit in life are his loving wife, Dee; daughters Vicki (John) Stroman, Susan (Tim) Moore, and son, Chip Castro; grandchildren, Rachel and Hannah Stroman, Sarah Estrada, Chelsea and Josh Castro, Sophie, Samuel, Therese, and John Paul Moore; 4 great grandchildren; Siblings, Marcella (Chela) and husband Bill Williams, Patrick and wife, Barbara Castro; and many nephews and nieces who loved their Uncle Leonard. He will be missed and loved forever by his family.
Leonard's favorite Scripture quote is from The Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, verse 7, and reads: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with The Recitation of The Holy Rosary commencing at 7:00 p.m., all hosted at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Community, located at 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, Texas, 77024. The Holy Rites of Interment will take place at Memorial Oaks Cemetery immediately following the service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you may send donations to The 4500 Forever Capital Campaign at St. Thomas High School, located at 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77007-7332.
Published in Houston Chronicle on Aug. 12, 2014
He was happily married for 58 years to Dolores Quinones Castro (Dee), whom he met when she was 6 years old and he was 8 years old. He and Dee were blessed with three beautiful and talented children, Victoria (Vicki), Leonard, Jr. (Chip), and Susan. Leonard worked in the oil business for over 40 years, traveling to every continent on the globe except Australia and Antarctica. He and Dee lived several years in Venezuela where he worked on several projects. His son, Leonard Jr. (Chip), was born in Maracaibo during that time. In the 1960's, Leonard worked on the Alaska Pipeline. Later, the entire family moved to England where he worked on projects in The North Sea.
Returning to Houston from England in 1973, he took a sabbatical from the oil business and fulfilled a couple of the items on his "bucket list." Like all good Texans, he bought some acreage, built a cabin, and raised catfish in his pond. This was the first of two places he owned in Fayette County over the span of 25 years. He also bought Band Construction Company, and for several years, he and Dee ran a successful remodeling business. He joined The Greater Houston Builder's Association and in 1975 was named "Remodeler of the Year." He was presented a commemorative plaque by Mayor Jim McConn and this was one of Leonard's proudest achievements.
When he sold his business, he returned to work in the oil business, where he continued to travel and work in such places as Africa, Indonesia, and several countries in South America. Leonard was also a natural born artist. He always thanked his Lord for giving him his talent for art and his ability to "see" things, design and construct them. He loved to build things for his grandchildren; jewelry for his granddaughters and weaponry and tools for his grandsons.
Leonard was an old-fashioned gentleman and was always polite. For example, from his father, he learned to always carry two handkerchiefs, one for himself and one for a lady in distress. Leonard always loved to dance. From the age of 12 or 13 he began to dance socially and was his sister's favorite partner as they were growing up. Later, he and Dee loved to cut a rug on the many, many cruises they took together.
Welcoming Leonard into Eternal Life are his parents, Lottie and Gregory Castro, and brothers Gregory, Jr., and Jimmy Castro. Carrying Leonard's spirit in life are his loving wife, Dee; daughters Vicki (John) Stroman, Susan (Tim) Moore, and son, Chip Castro; grandchildren, Rachel and Hannah Stroman, Sarah Estrada, Chelsea and Josh Castro, Sophie, Samuel, Therese, and John Paul Moore; 4 great grandchildren; Siblings, Marcella (Chela) and husband Bill Williams, Patrick and wife, Barbara Castro; and many nephews and nieces who loved their Uncle Leonard. He will be missed and loved forever by his family.
Leonard's favorite Scripture quote is from The Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, verse 7, and reads: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with The Recitation of The Holy Rosary commencing at 7:00 p.m., all hosted at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Community, located at 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, Texas, 77024. The Holy Rites of Interment will take place at Memorial Oaks Cemetery immediately following the service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you may send donations to The 4500 Forever Capital Campaign at St. Thomas High School, located at 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77007-7332.
Published in Houston Chronicle on Aug. 12, 2014
Leonard Eli Castro, age 80, passed away on August 9, 2014 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 3, 1933 in Houston, Texas and grew up in the Fifth Ward as a proud Native Houstonian. He attended Sherman Elementary School, John Marshall Jr. High School, and was a proud graduate of St. Thomas High School, Class of 1953. He served his country in The United States Navy for four years, and attended The University of Houston, majoring in Industrial Design.
He was happily married for 58 years to Dolores Quinones Castro (Dee), whom he met when she was 6 years old and he was 8 years old. He and Dee were blessed with three beautiful and talented children, Victoria (Vicki), Leonard, Jr. (Chip), and Susan. Leonard worked in the oil business for over 40 years, traveling to every continent on the globe except Australia and Antarctica. He and Dee lived several years in Venezuela where he worked on several projects. His son, Leonard Jr. (Chip), was born in Maracaibo during that time. In the 1960's, Leonard worked on the Alaska Pipeline. Later, the entire family moved to England where he worked on projects in The North Sea.
Returning to Houston from England in 1973, he took a sabbatical from the oil business and fulfilled a couple of the items on his "bucket list." Like all good Texans, he bought some acreage, built a cabin, and raised catfish in his pond. This was the first of two places he owned in Fayette County over the span of 25 years. He also bought Band Construction Company, and for several years, he and Dee ran a successful remodeling business. He joined The Greater Houston Builder's Association and in 1975 was named "Remodeler of the Year." He was presented a commemorative plaque by Mayor Jim McConn and this was one of Leonard's proudest achievements.
When he sold his business, he returned to work in the oil business, where he continued to travel and work in such places as Africa, Indonesia, and several countries in South America. Leonard was also a natural born artist. He always thanked his Lord for giving him his talent for art and his ability to "see" things, design and construct them. He loved to build things for his grandchildren; jewelry for his granddaughters and weaponry and tools for his grandsons.
Leonard was an old-fashioned gentleman and was always polite. For example, from his father, he learned to always carry two handkerchiefs, one for himself and one for a lady in distress. Leonard always loved to dance. From the age of 12 or 13 he began to dance socially and was his sister's favorite partner as they were growing up. Later, he and Dee loved to cut a rug on the many, many cruises they took together.
Welcoming Leonard into Eternal Life are his parents, Lottie and Gregory Castro, and brothers Gregory, Jr., and Jimmy Castro. Carrying Leonard's spirit in life are his loving wife, Dee; daughters Vicki (John) Stroman, Susan (Tim) Moore, and son, Chip Castro; grandchildren, Rachel and Hannah Stroman, Sarah Estrada, Chelsea and Josh Castro, Sophie, Samuel, Therese, and John Paul Moore; 4 great grandchildren; Siblings, Marcella (Chela) and husband Bill Williams, Patrick and wife, Barbara Castro; and many nephews and nieces who loved their Uncle Leonard. He will be missed and loved forever by his family.
Leonard's favorite Scripture quote is from The Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, verse 7, and reads: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with The Recitation of The Holy Rosary commencing at 7:00 p.m., all hosted at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Community, located at 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, Texas, 77024. The Holy Rites of Interment will take place at Memorial Oaks Cemetery immediately following the service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you may send donations to The 4500 Forever Capital Campaign at St. Thomas High School, located at 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77007-7332.
Published in Houston Chronicle on Aug. 12, 2014
He was happily married for 58 years to Dolores Quinones Castro (Dee), whom he met when she was 6 years old and he was 8 years old. He and Dee were blessed with three beautiful and talented children, Victoria (Vicki), Leonard, Jr. (Chip), and Susan. Leonard worked in the oil business for over 40 years, traveling to every continent on the globe except Australia and Antarctica. He and Dee lived several years in Venezuela where he worked on several projects. His son, Leonard Jr. (Chip), was born in Maracaibo during that time. In the 1960's, Leonard worked on the Alaska Pipeline. Later, the entire family moved to England where he worked on projects in The North Sea.
Returning to Houston from England in 1973, he took a sabbatical from the oil business and fulfilled a couple of the items on his "bucket list." Like all good Texans, he bought some acreage, built a cabin, and raised catfish in his pond. This was the first of two places he owned in Fayette County over the span of 25 years. He also bought Band Construction Company, and for several years, he and Dee ran a successful remodeling business. He joined The Greater Houston Builder's Association and in 1975 was named "Remodeler of the Year." He was presented a commemorative plaque by Mayor Jim McConn and this was one of Leonard's proudest achievements.
When he sold his business, he returned to work in the oil business, where he continued to travel and work in such places as Africa, Indonesia, and several countries in South America. Leonard was also a natural born artist. He always thanked his Lord for giving him his talent for art and his ability to "see" things, design and construct them. He loved to build things for his grandchildren; jewelry for his granddaughters and weaponry and tools for his grandsons.
Leonard was an old-fashioned gentleman and was always polite. For example, from his father, he learned to always carry two handkerchiefs, one for himself and one for a lady in distress. Leonard always loved to dance. From the age of 12 or 13 he began to dance socially and was his sister's favorite partner as they were growing up. Later, he and Dee loved to cut a rug on the many, many cruises they took together.
Welcoming Leonard into Eternal Life are his parents, Lottie and Gregory Castro, and brothers Gregory, Jr., and Jimmy Castro. Carrying Leonard's spirit in life are his loving wife, Dee; daughters Vicki (John) Stroman, Susan (Tim) Moore, and son, Chip Castro; grandchildren, Rachel and Hannah Stroman, Sarah Estrada, Chelsea and Josh Castro, Sophie, Samuel, Therese, and John Paul Moore; 4 great grandchildren; Siblings, Marcella (Chela) and husband Bill Williams, Patrick and wife, Barbara Castro; and many nephews and nieces who loved their Uncle Leonard. He will be missed and loved forever by his family.
Leonard's favorite Scripture quote is from The Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, verse 7, and reads: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with The Recitation of The Holy Rosary commencing at 7:00 p.m., all hosted at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Community, located at 11720 Joan of Arc Drive, Houston, Texas, 77024. The Holy Rites of Interment will take place at Memorial Oaks Cemetery immediately following the service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you may send donations to The 4500 Forever Capital Campaign at St. Thomas High School, located at 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77007-7332.
Published in Houston Chronicle on Aug. 12, 2014
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