Ben

Funeral services for Benigno (Ben) Castillo will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, February 27, 2025 at St. William’s Catholic Church, Denver City, Texas under the direction of Ratliff Funeral Home, officiated by Father Eduardo Teo.

Ben passed away at age 97 on February 20, at his home in Denver City.

Ben was born August 31, 1927 in Las Esperanzas, Muzuiz, Coahuila, México to Dimas Castillo and Petra Bautista.

Ben married the love of his life, Hortencia (Lozano) Castillo on February 3, 1960 in Nueva Rosita Coahuila. They repeated their vows at St. William’s Catholic Church where they have been members for over 63 years.

During his early childhood, Ben helped his family by shinning shoes and working in a store. In his teens, Ben took up boxing and got pretty good before his mother had other plans for him.

When Ben came to the United States, He worked on the Whitaker Ranch near Seminole. As luck would have it Ben’s foreman was a Mr. Ramon Lozano (Hortencia’s father). Ben worked on the ranch for about ten years before moving to Denver City. Ben worked as a sandblaster for CJR. He was a talented painter and in his off hours, he painted cars, trailers and houses, after work, Ben enjoyed making bird houses, crosses and yard ornaments, most of which he gave away to family and friends. When he wasn’t tinkering, he tended to his goats and a donkey. He was always busy, with projects Ben and Hortencia also volunteered their time at St. Williams’s Catholic Church.

Ben was very proud of his family. Two of his sons served in the army and his daughter works in the medical field. His son Daniel was severely injured and remembers the hours Ben spent at the VA spinal cord unit where he assisted Veterans always providing encouragement and a kind word.

Ben, Jr. remembers when his Dad took the time to paint the scout troop bus. He recalls his Dad being strict with details and that he took the time to teach life skills to his children. Sonjia said her Dad was always in a good mood and looked on the bright side of things. He emphasized hard work and good manners.

Ben truly “Never met a stranger.” He had the gift of hospitality and was known for his cooking. He had a winning smile and a great personality. Ben was also “Light on his feet” and was an excellent dancer. He and Hortencia enjoyed many church dances together.

So much to say about a man who made a difference in the lives of others, He simply lived his faith.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Dimas and Petra Castillo, a son Juan Lopez, and two sisters Obdvilia Vela and Ernestina Jimenez.

Ben is survived by his wife, Hortencia Castillo of Denver City, Texas, two sons, Daniel Castillo and Benigno Castillo Jr. both of San Antonio, Texas, two daughters, Sonjia Castillo of San Antonio, Texas, Rosie Maldonado of Bakersfield, CA, a brother in law, Jim Valentine and wife Maria, four grandchildren, Danielle Berry, Khris Berry, Elizabeth Galdoni, Christopher Castillo, nine great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews all whom he loved dearly.

Family and friend’s visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday February 26, 2025 from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a rosary at 6:00 P.M. at the Ratliff Funeral Home, 303 E. Broadway, Denver City, Texas. 806-592-2321.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts to favorite charities or the Guadalupanas at St. William’s Catholic church, Denver City, Texas.