A fifty year resident of Downey, Louis Lemus Castillo, 76, entered into eternal life on Nov. 24, 2014, at his home surrounded by family. Born on July 6, 1938, in Santa Rita, New Mexico, he spent his childhood in Bayard, New Mexico, with his parents and 4 younger siblings. At age 17 (1955), he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Passumpsic. Before being honorably discharged (1961), he earned a Good Conduct Medal. Shortly thereafter he joined Ironworkers Local 433 and began his apprenticeship. He was employed with Riverton Steel Construction and worked up the ranks to field superintendent. During his 39 year career, he supervised several prominent projects and managed upward of 90 crewmembers throughout the region. Valuing a strong work ethic, he continued to work after his retirement on residential remodeling projects. An avid fisherman, he was happiest outdoors. Louis took his children, grandchildren and friends on many fishing and camping trips, where he showed them how to make cowboy coffee. His favorite fishing spot was Convict Lake in the Sierra Nevadas. He took great pride in caring for his home, whether it was remodeling, maintenance, or gardening in his yard. He believed laughter was the best medicine and was never short of jokes or teasing to lighten the mood or celebrate the moment. Louis' priority in life was his family, whom he cared for and loved deeply. He will be remembered for his meticulous workmanship, ability to lead, willingness to help others, love for his family, and his wicked sense of humor.  Louis is preceded in death by his father, Louis Torrez Castillo, and survived by his mother, Rosa Macenez of Bayard, his wife of 48 years, Louise Castillo; his children, Daniel Amado and his wife, Hillary, of Huntington Beach, Richard Castillo and his wife, Michelle, of Montebello, Tony Castillo and his wife, Carol, of Whittier, Janet Castillo and her husband, Lorenzo Almanza, of Pico Rivera, Patricia Gutierrez and her husband, Rudy, of Pico Rivera, Michael Castillo and his wife, Beth, of Venice, Tom Castillo of Silver City, New Mexico and Ronald Castillo and his wife, Angela, of Downey; his siblings, Margaret Moyer of Mira Loma, Alfred Castillo and his wife, Rosalie, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Josie Mackessy of Los Lunas, New Mexico, Robert Castillo and his wife, Diane, of Collierville, Tennessee; 22 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Viewing and rosary were held on Dec. 9th at Funeraria del Angel - Morrow's in Pico Rivera and a Funeral Mass was held at St. Mariana de Paredes Catholic Church on Dec. 10. He was laid to rest at the Riverside National Cemetery.  

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Published: Dec. 11, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 35