Mr. Gary Don Casteel was born in Waynesboro, TN on February 15, 1948 to his parents the late Mr. James Casteel and Mrs. Reba Casteel. Mr. Casteel spent his childhood in his adolescent and formative years admiring the natural beauty Wayne County has to offer. His academic years were spent attending school in Waynesboro and graduating from Wayne County High. He would later meet and marry his wife Mrs. Cathy Huckaba Casteel on February 14, 1967 and the two would remain married until his passing. They began their family raising their children and setting roots stepped in love of God and country. He proudly and bravely served his country by joining the United States Air Force, a career choice that would span over 20 years; defined by honorable service to his country and seeing several occupational advancements throughout the years finally culminating to 1st Sargeant Deputy Commander over the 14th Flying Wing Class assisting in the training of new pilots located in Columbus, MS. After his military career, he would move back to his beloved hometown of Waynesboro, TN and focus on the direction of young lives as he worked for the Wayne Halfway House in Waynesboro, TN for many years. Expressing his deep love for children he assisted his wife in serving meals to the students at the Waynesboro Elementary School for several years. In his leisure time he could be found fishing, hunting activities he had loved since his childhood. He enjoyed the time he spent with his friends as he enjoyed trading and selling various items.
God was always a strong presence in his life as he was a member of the Revival Center in Waynesboro, TN and loved his church family. However, nothing in life compared to the precious moments shared with his wife, children and grandchildren who lovingly called him “Paw Paw” a title he proudly wore. He will be remembered as a strong, hardworking, man of character with a deep devotion to his country, family and his God. Mr. Gary Don Casteel passed from this life to be with his Lord on July 29, 2025 making his stay on this earth some 77 years, 5 months and 14 days.
Those left to honor his memory is his wife of 58 years Cathy Mae Huckaba Casteel, son Brian Keith Casteel wife Stacey all of Waynesboro, TN; daughter Angela Risner of Savannah, TN; grandchildren Colin H. Casteel, Autumn B. Casteel, Tucker Laws and Ryan Risner; bother Jimmy Casteel and wife Kathy of Waynesboro, TN; brother and sister – law John and Rita Lynch both of Waynesboro; as well as many other family, friends and dear loved ones
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his granddaughter Alisha Risner, siblings Franklin Casteel, Bud Casteel, Johnny Casteel and Jerold Casteel.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday August 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel with Jimmy Pearcy and Casey Jones officiating. Burial with committal service to follow in the Walnut Grove cemetery with military honors.
Visitation with the Casteel family will begin Friday at 10:00 am till 1:00 pm service time all at the Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Waynesboro, TN.
