Paul Merton Castle
June 23, 1929 ~ October 24, 2011
Paul Merton Castle, son of Paul and Florence Patton Castle, was born June 23, 1929 in a sod house on the banks of the Blanco River in Del Norte, Colo.
Paul departed this life, after a long illness, on the early morning of Oct. 24, 2011 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Paul attended public schools in Prichett, Pagosa Springs and Montrose, Colo. In 1946, at the age of 17, Paul entered the navy, honorably serving for over 20 years, retiring in 1966. In 1952 Paul met, while on leave, the love of his life, Betty, and to this union four children were born, Susan, Paul, David and Donny.
After his navy retirement, Paul moved his family back to Montrose, Colo., where he eventually became a master wallpaper hanger and painting contractor. Many of the Victorian homes in Ouray, Colorado still display his artistry. Paul and Betty eventually moved to Nucla, Colo., where he continued to work until the age of 73.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Florence Castle; his brothers, Emmitt Castle of Montrose, Colo., Fred Castle of Las Vegas, Nev., Johnny Castle of Ridgway, Colo; three sisters, Margie Brown and Betty Smith, both of Montrose, Colo., Peggy Jackson of Olathe, Colo; two nephews, Richard Castle of Montrose., and Billy Jackson of Driggs, Idaho. Paul is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty, of the family home; daughter Susan of Flernley, Nev., sons, Paul of Ouray, Colo., David and wife, Carol of New York, N.Y., Donny and wife, Tami of Ridgway, Colo.
Paul is also survived by his beloved 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, brother, Harry Castle; sister Florency Lyon all of Ridgway, Colo; as well as other relatives and a host of friends.
Paul enjoyed hunting, boxing, fishing, prospecting, riding his horse, Bucky and spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends.
O Lord, I’ve never lived where churches grow;
I’ve loved creation better as it stood.
That day you finished it, so long ago,
And looked upon your work and called it good.
Just let me live my life as I’ve begun!
And give me work that’s open to the sky;
Make me a partner of the wind and sun,
And I won’t ask a life that’s soft and high.
Make me as big and open as the plains;
as honest as the horse between my knees;
Clean as the wind that blows behind the rains;
Free as the hawk that circles down the breeze.
Just keep an eye on all that’s done and said;
Just right me sometime when I turn aside;
And guide me on the long, dim trail ahead
hat stretches upward towards the Great Divide.
A Memorial Service in celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. At Paul’s request, cremation has preceded the service. The Service will conclude at the Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colo.
