Tomas Castaneda

SAN BENITO TEXAS-DEER PARK TEXAS—Tomas Castaneda passed away in Houston, Texas on June 26, 2013, at the age of 78.

He was born on a Saturday, September 22, 1934 in San Benito to Rodolfo and Romana Castaneda.

Tomas is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 47 years Elizabeth Anzaldua Castaneda, his sister Maria Luisa Yanez, his aunt Angelita Miranda, and his uncle Guadalupe Garza, all from San Benito, Texas.

He is survived by his three sons: Abraham Castaneda-wife Kathy, Nathan Castaneda, Ezekiel Castaneda-wife Amanda, 11 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, all from Deer Park Texas. Three sisters: Maria Olivia Ibarra Rodriguez, Diana Castaneda Cordova-husband Joe, and Ana Maria Castaneda Abrego-husband Manuel, all formerly from San Benito.

Tomas Castaneda was a United States Army veteran and served honorably. He was a long time member of Primera Iglesia Baptista Church in San Benito, where he grew up as a very young man, honoring our LORD GOD and remained faithful to his faith until his death. He was a loving son, who at the tender age of 14, held three jobs to help support his mother and sisters. He swept floors at three barber shops, shined shoes at the corner of the bank, then San Benito Bank and Trust and delivered telegrams to people who had no phones. Never complained, never kept any of his earned money, handed all of it to his mother for their support. Upon his draft into the military service, he faithfully replied, allowing for a portion of his military monthly allowance to be sent to his family, allowing his family to never go on public assistance. Upon honorably fulfilling his military obligation, started his career with the Exxon Company, where he worked for over thirty years and finally retired several years ago.

His last days were spend peacefully surrounded by his children, sisters and he departed surrounded by readings of the Scriptures and songs, after making a date to meet us, his family, at the Heavenly Gate.

We, the Castaneda, the Rodriguez, the Cordova, the Abrego, the Yanez, the Miranda and the Garza families, want to thank many for so many prayers, raised up to our LORD GOD, during his hospice stay. MOST importantly we want to give thanks to our LORD GOD for our Father’s, our Brother’s, our nephew’s life. Tomas Castaneda, a GENTLE man.