It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Guadalupe “Lupe” Castro Sr., who left us peacefully on July 15, 2025 at the age of 82.
Born on Aug. 16, 1942 in Weslaco Texas, he lived life with his foot on the gas, a twinkle in his eye, and a laugh that could light up a room – a man of grit, grace and stubbornness.
For many years, he worked tirelessly as a migrant farm worker in California, Wisconsin, Texas, and Washington. He moved to Oregon in 1977, where he began working for Oregon Potato in Boardman, then later (1996) as an owner-operator until the age of 62. His hands were always busy, his heart always full.
Lupe was more than a provider; he was always tinkering with something outside. There was nothing that he couldn’t do or fix with duct tape.
He found joy in the open road, singing and dancing, watching grandkids’ sporting events, and the thrill of getting lucky 7s at the casino. He’d say life wasn’t about money or perfection, but about family, good stories and even better company – and he was always the best company in the room.
To his family, Lupe was a rock, a devoted husband for 63 years to Maria A. Erevia. They married on June 15, 1962 in Yakima, Wash. He was a proud father to Blanca Gonzalez (Ray), Guadalupe Castro Jr. (Rosa), Saul Castro (Diana) and Diana Velasco (Jay); an amazing and doting grandfather to 11 grandchildren (Adam, Yvette, Guadalupe III, Antonio, Candice, Idalia, Nicolas, Brandon, Kisha, Isaiah, and Jordan), 24 great-grandchildren (Sydney, Joe, Alijah, Kiah, Liam, Yuliana, Zoe, Giselle, Tatiana, Cruz, Lana, Kitana, Kylaya, Ezra, Javier, Jaylynn, Cataleya, Nevaeh, Avah, Eli, Ella, Jaiden, Mila, and Alonzo), and two great-great grandchildren, Adelina and Lorenzo.
Everyone adored their “Grandpa Lupe.” Whether he was teaching them how to drive, betting them quarters for eating a spicy pepper, or sharing a candied orange slice, those close to him knew he was always ready to give out a free “cozcorron.” Nonetheless, his love was constant and fiercely loyal.
He lived his life fully, loved deeply, and left nothing unsaid.
He is survived by his wife; sister, Leonor Cardenas (Joe); children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends who will forever remember his booming laugh, stubborn charm, cowboy hat and larger-than-life spirit.
He was preceded in death by parents, Enrique Castro Sr. and Leonor V. Castro; brothers, Vicente Castro Sr., Elias Castro Sr., Enrique Castro Sr., Esteban Castro Sr., Ramiro Castro Sr., Angel Castro and Juan Castro Sr.; and great-granddaughter, Analia Sanguino.
Rest easy, Grandpa. You lived it your way – and we wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston from 2 until 7 p.m., with the rosary at 7 p.m.
Funeral Rite will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery. Please share memories of Lupe with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
