Jose Antonio Castilleja

Jose Antonio Castilleja, a College Place resident, age 98, passed away on June 21, 2023, after a long and fulfilling life. He was born in Doctor Arroyo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on September 15, 1924.

In December 1944, Jose Antonio married Feliciana Hernandez and moved to the Walla Walla area in 1946 with their daughter Dora, and later welcomed their second daughter Lupe. Jose Antonio made this community his home for over 70 years. He was employed for over 30 years at the Union Pacific railroad after working for a local farmer and doing migrant work. After his retirement, his labor of love was working the land of his ranch, growing onions, zucchinis, and cucumbers, and raising livestock. He was a long-time active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He was dedicated to his wife, family, and church and enjoyed spending time with his family and attending events for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also known to enjoy his treks to Wildhorse Casino to pass the time.

Jose Antonio is survived by his siblings, Jaime Castilleja, Maria Hinojosa, and Teresa Gonzalez-Castilleja; son-in-law, Olegario Reyes; five grandchildren, Manuel Escalante, Enrique(Carmen) Munoz, Adrian(Eileen) Reyes, Arminda Munoz, and Rozina Munoz; ten great-grandchildren, Angelica(Angel) Escalante-Niebla, Aime Escalante, Lorenzo and Mateo Reyes, Hakim, Iris, Kayla, and Teresa Marquez, and Leilani and Azure Munoz; and one great-great-grandchild, Ariana Niebla.

Jose Antonio was preceded in death by his parents, Eusebio and Dominga Castilleja; daughter, Dora Reyes; daughter and son-in-law Lupe and Tito Munoz; and granddaughters, Crisi Reyes, Elsa Escalante, Sylvia Munoz, and Raquel Munoz; brothers, Jose Maria, Jose Domingo, Jose Raul, Jose Maximiliano, Jose Consuelo; sisters, Maria Antonia Nino, Maria Consuelo Huereca, Maria Concepcion Castilleja, and Maria Guadalupe Castilleja.

Viewing and visitation will be held at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 11:00 am, followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Assumption Catholic Church, 2098 E Alder St. Graveside services will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or other organizations of the donor's choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.