Lupe C. Castilleja

Lupe “Monk” C. Castilleja, 61, of Lockhart passed away Feb. 14, 2009. He was born in Robstown, Texas. He was preceded in death by his sister Gloria “Gogo” Chairez; his granddaughter LeAnne Castilleja, and his parents Juan and Guadalupe Castilleja.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He was known by many, loved by many and helped ev

eryone. He was retired from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) – Sim Gideon plant of Bastrop, Texas.

He is survived by his loving partner, Rosa Cano, of Lockhart; sons, Daniel Castilleja and wife, Diana, of Lockhart, and John David Castilleja and his fiancée, Veronica Flores, of San Antonio; daughters, Kathy C. Mendez and husband, Richard, of Lockhart, and Lori Gilliam and husband, Reggie, of Luling; and nine grandchildren: Charles Matthew Juarez, of Bastrop, Brandon and Josh Gilliam and Kristen Castilleja, of Luling; and Megan Castilleja, Edward Scott Sanchez, Christopher Thomas Sanchez, Steven Ray and Adrianna Rodriguez of Lockhart. He is also survived by four brothers and three sisters: Jimmy Castilleja, Joe Castillo, Joaquin Castilleja, John Castilleja, Aurelia Gutierrez, Mary Helen Hernandez and Carol Mendoza; and many nephews and nieces.

Services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at 10 a.m. He was laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lockhart. Serving as pallbearers were Adrian Castilleja, Zachary Castilleja, Simon Hernandez Jr., Gerald Mendoza, Alex Gutierrez, and Mark Castillo. Honorary pallbearers were Bobby Ortiz and Les Butler.

Arrangements under the care and direction of DeLeon Funeral Home, Lockhart, Texas.