Richard Cortez Castro

Richard Cortez Castro, 71, entered into his Heavenly Home on Saturday, October 6, 2018. A Memorial Service will be held at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, October 12, 2018, 1:00 PM. Michael Silva and Sam Chaves will be officiating. Interment will follow at General Douglas L. McBride Veterans Cemetery. Please take a moment and share a fond memory or kind expression of sympathy for Richard’s family at andersonbethany.com. On July 31, 1947, Richard was born in Brownfield, Texas, to Bonifacio and Cecilia Castro. He enjoyed his childhood there until his family moved to Lovington, New Mexico. Richard remained there until he graduated from high school in 1968. Uncle Sam called him into the United States Army, where he served in the Vietnam War until he came home in July of 1970. Richard received the National Defence Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star Metal W/V Device. When Richard came to Roswell, he met the love of his life, Stella Campos, and got married on June 24, 1972, in Dexter, New Mexico. In June of 1974, they had their son, Stephen, and in December of 1979, they had their daughter, Sandra. In addition to their son, they also raised Victor, who they loved as their own. Richard was a member and Deacon of the Spanish Baptist Church in Dexter, New Mexico. He also played a mean piano, almost making it dance. Richard was a prayer warrior who loved the Lord Jesus Christ and preaching His word. Those left to cherish Richard’s memory are his loving wife, Stella; children: Stephen and wife Lorena, Sandra, and Victor; grandchildren: Stephen Anthony Castro, Isaiah Castro, Anissa Tarin, Marcus Tarin, Kailey Lara, and Kendall Lara; siblings: Albert Castro and wife Nora, David Castro and wife Esther, Louis Castro and wife Diana, Richard’s twin sister, Lupe Rodgers, Yolanda Hunter, Robert Castro and wife Diane; and mother-in-law, Juanita Campos. Preceding Richard in death were his parents, Bonifacio and Cecilia Castro; two brothers: Barney Castro; and Reverend Johnny Castro. Those chosen as Honorary Pallbearers are: Stephen A. Castro, Isaiah Castro, Anissa Tarin, and Marcus Tarin.

Richard Cortez Castro

July 31, 1947 - October 6, 2018