Benjamin Castro

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and coach, Benjamin “Ben” Castro, 85, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away August 10, 2015 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg, Idaho. He was born January 26, 1930 at Santa Barbara, California; Ben was the son of Antonio and Celia (Arellano) Garcia.

Ben attended and graduated from the Garfield High School of Los Angeles, California. He then served in the U.S. Army as an MP (Military Police) during the Korean Conflict.

Ben married Mary Ellen Leis, on December 16, 1967 in Norwalk, California.

After honorably serving for our country, Ben worked for the LA Times for nineteen years, as a linotype director. Throughout his working career, Ben studied to further his education; he attended the Los Angeles Trade Technical College, the University of California Los Angeles and lastly, the California State University of Long Beach, California, where he received his masters degree. Ben then served as a professor of graphic arts at the Fullerton Community College of Fullerton, California; he then retired.

In 1978, Ben and his wife Mary Ellen purchased a home in the Silver Valley and would visit on vacations and special times. After retiring in 1996, they moved to the Silver Valley making this their home. After moving here, Ben served as a beloved and respected coach in track and cross country running for the Kellogg School District.

Ben was a member of the Silver Valley Kiwanis Club, a member of the American Legion and a member of the Pinehurst Lions Club. He loved and enjoyed coaching, children and gardening.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife of forty-seven years, Mary Ellen Castro of the family home of Osburn; two children Kim (Bill) Esquerre of Chino Hills, California; Mark (Lupe) Mantle of Artesia, California; two grandchildren Leah (Mike) Kline of El Dorado Hills, California and Jason (Julie) Mantle of Denver, Colorado; one great-granddaughter Allyson Kline; one sister Edna Quintero of Palmdale, California; he is also survived by several nieces and nephews including Michael, Yolanda and Robert Quintero. Ben was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Silver Valley Worship Center of Smelterville, Idaho. A reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at the Church Fellowship Hall following services.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Kellogg High School Athletic Program, 2 Jacobs Gulch Rd. Kellogg, Idaho 83837.

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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