Robert Lee Castillo

Robert Lee Castillo, 67, of Tyler, TX and Fort Collins, CO went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 5, 2017. Mr. Castillo was born December 28, 1949 to Frank and Bobbie Castillo in Longview, Texas and was the second of five children in the family. He graduated from Longview High School class of 1968 and attended Kilgore College. Robert was married to his high school sweetheart Becky Gugar on May 2, 1969. They would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this May. Robert entered the United States Army in 1970 and served 2 tours in Vietnam with Company C 3rd Battalion 12th Infantry 4th Infantry division. After completing his military service Robert and Becky welcomed their only child in February of 1973. Robert worked in the restaurant business for a few years until he opened his own in 1977. He was the owner and operator of Hickory Fare Bar-B-Que on Gentry Parkway in Tyler for 40 years. Through this business, Robert served the Tyler community through generous contributions and worked to build a strong community of customers and friends. He was a trusted leader who cared deeply for his staff, some of which are 2nd and 3rd generation employees. His staff was an extended family to him and many viewed him as a father figure in their lives. He often viewed his work as his personal ministry to the community and those he interacted with day to day. Robert and Becky's only child gave them three wonderful grandchildren who he adored. This prompted their purchase of a home in Fort Collins, CO so they could be near to them as they grow up. He enjoyed attending many of his grandchildren's theatre and school performances together and celebrating special times. Robert was a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and cherished his relationship with the Lord above all else. He loved to read his Bible and had committed much of scripture to memory. One of his favorite passages of scripture is found in Psalms 121:1-2 " I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Robert was preceded in death by his father, Frank Castillo, and his mother, Bobbie Castillo. He is survived by his loving family including his dear wife, Becky Gugar Castillo; daughter, Tracee Castillo Carcasson; son-in-law, Martin Carcasson; grandchildren, Gabriela, Cameron and Eliana Carcasson; brother, Rick Castillo; sisters, Yolanda Brinkman, Cathy Lacey and Rose Marie Favio, as well as many beloved extended family members. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler with Pastor Ron Wells officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Robert Castillo's honor to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., NW Washington DC 20420 or The Salvation Army, 633 N. Broadway, Tyler, Texas 75702

Robert Lee Castillo

December 28, 1949 - February 5, 2017