Ignacio Castillo

Ignacio Gongora Castillo, age 81  of Sweetwater passed away peacefully at home January 11, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Ignacio was born in Clay Texas to Susano and Simona Castillo.  His family moved several times before finally settling in Sweetwater in 1954.

Services were held on Thursday January 13, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home Chapel with Dan Boren officiating.  A private burial was held at Sweetwater Cemetery.  Arrangements were under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Ignacio leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 61 years, Pauline and their 5 children who consider him their hero.  Edith Gravley and husband of San Angelo, Sam Castillo (Delma) of New Braunfels, Helene Davis (Michael) of Sachse, Sandra Daneri (Conrad) of Harvest, Alabama and Roberto Castillo (Leslie) of Burleson.

He was and will always be “Poppy” to 13 grandchildren Tyler Gravley, Lucas Gravley, Justis, Gravley, Gerald Castillo, Samantha Williams, Nic Castillo, James Davis, Melissa Davis, Kathryn Davis, Erik Daneri, Rachel Daneri, Cade Castillo and Erin Castillo along with 5 great grandchildren, McKinzie Castillo, Madison Castillo, Wyatt Gravley, Ryker Gravley and Juliet Williams.

Ignacio was the oldest brother, protector, and defender of Agapita Cerda, Celestino, Pedro, Domingo, Benjamin, Susana Gutierrez, Aurora Castillo, Pablo, Rosa Whitley, Antonio and Pablo Castillo.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Emilio, Irene, Pablo, Juan, Cevero, Guadalupe and Maria Ramon.

Ignacio was a servant of God; he was an Elder at Lamar Street Church of Christ and most recently served as a member of the Church of Christ in Roscoe, Texas and the Spanish Church of Christ in Sweetwater.    He was a wise man who studied the Word of God daily, and a great example of love and forgiveness.  “Don’t ever leave God” is a statement he made several times the last few days of his life. Ultimately his greatest desire was for the family to know and to love God. He has finished the race.

More than anything in the world, Ignacio loved his family, he was happiest when he was worshiping, visiting, vacationing or celebrating accomplishments with them.  He was a talented carpenter, mechanic, gardener and Mr. Fix It.   He could fix just about anything that broke.

He attended Newman High School, and maintained a great desire to learn, he especially enjoyed studying Native American history and world wars.  He was an avid fan of the Sweetwater Mustang football team. Ignacio had a gift and a talent of putting everyone he met at ease and making them smile. He made the world a better place.

Pallbearers were his grandsons, Lucas A. Gravley, Justis D. Gravley, Gerald Castillo, Nic Castillo, Cade Castillo, Erik Daneri, and James Davis as honorary pallbearer.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5 KJV)