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Ernest J. Castor, 93 year old Woodward resident, passed away Sunday, February 7, 2021 at his home in Woodward surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021 in the Billings Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Brad Smith and Reverend Donnetta Hunter officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the United States Army. The service will be broadcast live on the funeral home website and Facebook.
Ernest Jacob Castor was born on September 25, 1927 in Blair, Oklahoma; he was the youngest son of Jacob Thompson and Clara Ester (Wreath) Castor. He grew up 2 1/2 miles west of Mutual and graduated from Mutual High School. Ernest attended Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He was inducted into the United States Army on October 20, 1950 and was honorably discharged in 1952. He served seven years in the Army Reserves. In Ernie's words, "I served my country for that long and didn't even receive a Good Conduct Medal".
He was united in marriage to Wilma Grace Evans on Friday the 13th in September of 1957 at the United Brethren Methodist Church, which later became the Faith United Methodist Church. They made their first home in Woodward on third street before moving five miles north of Woodward. They later moved to their current home in Woodward. Ernest worked at various jobs during his lifetime and if you asked him what he did his response was always "You name it".
He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church and was Baptized on August 12, 2007 by his grandson Daniel Patrick McCord under guidance by Reverend Lonnie Rutherford. He was very involved in the church and loved the people. Ernest taught Sunday School and was always willing to serve those in need. He often bought groceries and ran errands for shut ins. He was always amazed by the grace and acceptance of Jesus and the congregation of First Assembly. His children will never forget the example of kindness, love, and humility he set for them. Ernest enjoyed woodworking, leather craft, ship cruising but most of all he loved aggravating people.
He is survived by two daughters: Sheryl McKinney and husband Steve, Debbie McCord and husband Mark; son, Don Cunningham and wife Diana; one grandson, Daniel McCord and wife Robin; one granddaughter Lori Johnson and one great-granddaughter Trinity Dawn McCord; one brother, Ceford Castor; other relatives and many friends.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Grace, two brothers, Bill Castor and Doc Castor and three sisters, Mae Smith, Ruby Morrison, and Maggie Castor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Fund at the First Assembly of God Church with the funeral home accepting the contributions. Remembrances may be shared online at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com