Baltazar, "Bob" Castro 1934-2011

CASTRO, BAKER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 4/15/2011 at 20:41:43

Sioux City Journal
13 February 2011

SIOUX CITY -- Baltazar, "Bob" Castro, 76, of Branson Mo., formerly of Sioux City, passed away Feb. 7, 2011, with his beloved wife, Doris at his side.

Bob was born Oct. 24, 1934, in San Diego, Calif. He joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Biloxi, Miss. He later transferred to Sergeant Bluff, where he met Doris Baker at a USO dance. They married in 1955.

Bob was a career firefighter with the Sioux City Fire Department for 30 years and retired in 1998. He last worked at the Sioux Gateway Fire Department. Bob was the first responder at the 1982 United Airlines Flight 232 crash. Bob had a role in the movie, "A Thousand Heroes", where he was cast to play himself, alongside Charlton Heston, Richard Thomas and James Coburn, in the still-tribute film. In addition to being a firefighter, Bob was also an accomplished carpenter and owned a construction business.

Bob was known for his warm smile, friendly disposition and always having something nice to say to anyone, anywhere. Bob never met a stranger. He deeply loved his family, fishing, the ocean, traveling, carpentry and woodworking, and his firefighting career.

Bob was a devoted husband, loving father and doting grandfather. He was a big guy with a big laugh and an even bigger heart. He will always be loved and fondly remembered by those who were blessed enough to know him.

Bob is survived by his wife, Doris; three daughters, Debbie and partner, Roxanne, Diane and husband, Randall, and Darla and husband, Mike; six grandchildren, Amanda and husband, Jay, Seth, Abby and husband, Travis, Meagan and husband, Andrew, Blake and Reid; three great-grandchildren, Lillia, Daniel and Emaline; and a sister, Simona.

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's name to the Sioux City Fire and Rescue Public Education Department, Attention: Joe Rodriguez, 601 Douglas St., Sioux City IA 51101.