Boniface Benito Castell

Captain Boniface Benito Castell (“Bon”) passed away peacefully in The Stayton, Fort Worth, Texas on January 11, 2024. He was 87 years of age.

Bon was born in Karachi, Pakistan on May 14, 1936 to Joseph Vincent Castell and Celisa (Coelho) Castell. Bon came to the United States in 1957 where he first earned his high school diploma, he then enlisted in the United States Air Force, being in the service gave him the chance to attend Southern Illinois University. He graduated with a Bachelors degree, learning and service was at the heart of who he was.

While stationed at the Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Oklahoma, Bon met Edna Mae “Sue” Prestridge. Sue was the love of Bon’s life; they eventually married and remained husband and wife until her death in 2018.

Bon served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Stationed at Air Force bases all around the world, he learned to speak several languages, some fluently. He learned to fly, earning his commercial pilot’s license.

In Pakistan Bon worked for the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BAOC) and Lufthansa Airlines.

Bon ultimately achieved the rank of Captain and until his dying day, Bon loved being a Retired United States Air Force Captain. He proudly saluted everyone at The Stayton and his name badge even bore the name “Captain”.

Bon and Sue loved to travel to destinations all around the world. They especially loved their many trips to Hawaii.

Bon loved an American road trip and spent many days and weeks traveling the highways of his beloved USA with his sons, their trips always seemed to make their way to Las Vegas!

Bon and Sue were active members at the North Davis Church of Christ in Arlington, Texas for many years where they were selflessly volunteered in the Hearts & Hands Ministry. Bon enjoyed playing golf and left a large collection of his hats. Whether it was a muscle car or a Chevy, Cadillac or Lexus, Bon loved cars of every kind.

Bon was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Vincent Castell and Celisa (Coelho) Castell; brother Gilbert Castell and sister Claire Castell, son Vincent John Castell.

He is survived by sons Craig Edward Castell (wife Tina) and Gary Thomas Castell; grand children Zane Castell, Ricky Castell, Ria Castell, Sahana Castell, JeanLuke Castell and James Castell; great grandchildren Dion Castell, Leoni Castell and Frankie Castell.

A visitation will be held for Bon at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, Texas 76013 on Tuesday, January 23 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. His funeral will be the next day, Wednesday, January 24th at 11:00am, also at Wade Family Funeral Home. Following his funeral, Bon will be buried at the DFW National Cemetery. His committal service will be at 1:00pm where he will receive full military honors.