Fred Edward Castillo

Fred Edward Castillo 82, of The Woodlands, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a long illness he faced with characteristic grace. A gentleman by nature and by practice, Fred lived a life centered on family, dedication, and bringing joy to those around him.

Fred was born in Galveston Texas on August 22, 1943, to Fred C. Castillo and Teodora Mireles Castillo. He attended Ball High School in Galveston and Sam Houston University. He was a long time resident of his beloved Woodlands.

He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Mary Ellen, and a proud father to his daughters Deanna Brown (Brandon) and Angela Castillo. He was also a cherished stepfather to Diane Reinarz, Janet Reinarz, Doug Reinarz (Dawn) and Lynda Reinarz Costa (Kyle).

Fred was a beloved grandfather to Joshua Brown (Jenna), Cason Brown (Taylor) and Isabella Brown as well as Evan Kaspar, Kyle Kaspar, Rendon Reinarz, Reid Foster and Claire Foster. To his great delight, Fred recently welcomed his first great-grandchild, Collins Claire Brown. He is also survived by his brother Ruben Castillo and sister Mary Alice Castillo, Uncle Jose (Sara) Castillo, cherished cousin Wense Guzman (Amy) as well as loving nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Helen Ayachi, Rudy Castillo and Joe Castillo.

He was a long time employee of The Woodlands Development Company and Mitchell Energy. Later he became an independent Property Tax Agent building his business on hard work and deep loyalty to his clients, many of whom became lasting friends.

Fred was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where he served faithfully as an usher each week. He also enjoyed volunteering, along with Mary Ellen, in various community activities.

Fred had a gift for making people feel seen, always making a point of knowing people by name, especially those often overlooked and treating everyone with genuine respect. His generosity was quiet and without expectation. He was always there for a loved one’s important moments. He gave generously of himself without keeping score.

He loved life's simple pleasures: golf, tending his flowers (often in friendly competition with the neighbors), and the backyard garden he and Mary Ellen had built together where a fountain became his cherished spot for quiet and reflection.

He will be deeply missed and remembered as a loving, kind and generous man, for never missing a grandchild’s game or recital, for the joy he took in gathering people together and for his love of a good donut. Those lucky enough to have sat beside him will not forget the perfectly timed aside that left them struggling to contain their laughter.