Tributes

Gerald Castilleja was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 8, 1969, and passed away peacefully on April 15, 2023. He grew up in San Antonio and went to Holmes High School, where he played football for the “Green and Gold.” He followed through on his dream of having a family and building a business in San Antonio. He was Texan to the core. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Gloria and Nacho Castilleja; his in-laws, Donna and Chuck Thompson; and Kay Frost. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; son and best friend, Connor Gerald Castilleja; mother in-law, Carol Thompson; his sister, Nicole Estrada, her husband, Rey and their children, Kelsey, Raven, Nick and his daughter, Giana; his sister, Kim Flores, her husband, Brian and their children, Gilbert and Braiden; his brother-in-law, Chris Thompson, his wife, Stephanie and their children, Isaac and Ethan; his family by choice, Chris and Jennifer Bennett and their children, Blaine and Caden. Gerald is remembered as a devoted husband and father. His “biggest gift” was his best friend, Connor. “Seventeen years ago, my wife gave me the greatest gift of a son; not just a son, but my best friend. I am so proud of the man that he is becoming.” Gerald enjoyed many activities with Connor to include, bowling, football, teaching him to cut hair at the Barber Shop, Cub Scouts, trips to Game Stop, junk food without Mom (especially tacos at their spot); and many conversations about business plans and dreams for Connor’s future. Gerald had a long career in the restaurant business where he forged friendships that became family. It is in this industry where he met his wife, Mary Beth, and they have been inseparable ever since. Mary Beth supported ALL of his dreams and business ventures. Gerald became a Barber and shortly after, opened up his own shop and became owner of the “Lone Star Barbershop” that is still in operation today. He fulfilled his dream of owning his own business and filled his days making everyone that sat in his chair “mantastic”! He was known for entertaining them with his great stories and listening to theirs. He lived everyday building others up and encouraging them to follow their dreams just as he followed his. Gerald had a life-long passion for Wrestling resulting in his partnership with “Lucha American Wrestling” and “Tacos and Tap-Outs”. His involvement with independent wrestling allowed him the opportunity to become friends with many within the wrestling community. He cared deeply about young people navigating their way through the world of wrestling in San Antonio and South Texas. Gerald’s heart and commitment to his community was evident in his involvement with many events and organizations, such as PTA, Parents on Patrol, VFW Back to School Hair Cuts, Toy Drives, and Food Drives. He was always participating in fundraisers for young adults in our community. We love you and will cherish our memories. “The Great One” Pallbearers Rey Estrada, Nick Estrada, Brian Flores, Rick Montalvo, Chris Bennett, Blaine Bennett Honorary Pallbearers Gilbert Flores, Braiden Flores, Caden Bennett, Connor Castilleja SERVICES Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. on Friday April 21, 2023, at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Alamo Community Church, 5354 Talley Road. At the Service conclusion, there will be a Ten Bell Salute to commemorate his involvement in the wrestling world. In lieu of flowers, his family requests contributions in his memory may be made to Alamo Community Church.

Tributes

Gerald Castilleja

February 8, 1969 - April 15, 2023