Gary Don Casteel

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 Sergeant 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 or in 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 are 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; brother, Jimmy Casteel and wife Kathy of Waynesboro, TN; brother and sister-in-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 were 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 followed in the Walnut Grove cemetery with military honors.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Colin Casteel, John Lynch, Christopher Lynch, Mike Ray, Tucker Laws, and Darian McNabb.

Visitation with the Casteel family was Friday from 10:00 am till 1:00 pm service time, all at the Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Waynesboro, TN.