Tex Houston Casteel

TEX HOUSTON CASTEEL

On Thursday, July 18, 1940, in Jasper, TN, Mary Rector Casteel gave birth to the sixth of her eight children with Ernest at their home. One of his older sisters asked if the baby could be named after Tex Ritter, of the singing cowboy genre. Thus began Tex Houston Casteel’s life, and the numerous questions to ensue regarding his name. Sadly, our father unexpectedly left this world on Thursday, July 3rd, fifteen days shy of his 85th birthday.

Tex graduated from Marion County High School in 1959. He was a Warrior through and through with purple being his favorite color. He proudly supported MCHS’s football team until his death. In addition to the Warriors, Dad had a love/hate relationship with the Tennessee Vols (as so many of us do) and followed the Atlanta Braves through thick and thin.

My brother and I are proud to have our father’s strong work ethic. After high school, he worked a few jobs before completing a 32-year career with E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company in Chattanooga, TN. Upon retiring at the age of 58, he began golfing with his brother, Rooster, and enjoyed many days on the course.

In addition to his love of sports, our father loved gardening, mowing, and watching the wildlife around his house. More than anything, Dad loved Jesus and spending time with his family. He was an exemplary Christian and a member of Jasper Church of Christ.

Dad was kind and had a gentle soul with the brightest smile. He loved children and animals, especially his cat, Sassy.

Tex was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Sullivan and Mary Rector Casteel; brothers, Ernest Lee (Tommy), Sam Edward (Rooster), and Orville Casteel; sisters, Nannie Freeman and Alvina Holloway. The family left to treasure memories of him include his wife, Margaret; son, Robert (Norma); daughter, Stacey; grandson, Jonathon; brother, Johnny Casteel; sister, Susie Moree; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to his favorite charity: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or online at stjude.org.

Visitation is Monday, July 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm CST at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, Tennessee.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am CST at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens in Jasper, Tennessee with Pastor Bruce Leonard officiating.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347, 423-942-9500.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tatefh.com.

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