On July 9, 1928 in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America, Jose Rene Castro Aceituno was born to Jose Maria Castro and Amalia Castro de Aceituno. He was the oldest brother to his sister Irma Hernandez, who preceded him in death, and surviving younger brother Lionel Castro of Guatemala City, Guatemala. When Rene was seventeen years old he specifically arrived in the United States to voluntarily join the Army then returned from Japan and Korea as an airplane and engine mechanic and sharpshooter. He attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, and also Oklahoma A & M College School of Technical Training, Okmulgee, and studied art at The University of Tulsa. He met his future wife Concepcion (Connie) Nieto in Tulsa at her parents restaurant, El Rancho Grande. Rene spent his working career as a technical illustrator in the aeronautical and oil and gas industry, On April 14,1954 Rene was very proud to become a Naturalized Citizen of the United States. Born with a spirit of creativity and adventure his life was blessed with many life loving moments. He had a great love for sailing. One of his adventures was sailing The Kerr-McGee Arkansas River Navigation System Waterway. He had the ability and creative mindset to refurbish and rebuild a wood Snipe sailboat and two Datsun 1600 convertible cars. He was an artist and craftsman. His nephew Dan Nieto stated he was an inspiration to anyone who knew him, he was the MacGyver of his time. He lived for the next creative project to be set before him. He was grateful for his many blessings and always helped others with compassion and love. He devoted much time helping others as a member of the Tulsa Hispanic Lions Club. Proud to be from Guatemala he was most proud to be an American citizen and respectfully flew the flag. His beautiful wife was always by his side as a great help mate and constant loving supporter. They were married one month shy of 65 years. His wonderful spirit and being a loving father will be his two daughters cherished memories. He died on Saturday, November 19th with the loves of his life by his bedside. He is survived by his wife Connie and daughters Renee Booth, Irma Swafford and husband Jeffrey all of Tulsa. Five grandchildren, Melissa Booth Glover, husband Patrick, Webb City, MO., Anthony Booth, wife Bridget, Tulsa, Carli Swafford Biddle, husband David, Okmulgee, Jenna Marie Swafford Barranco, husband Taylor, Broken Arrow, Mason Remel Swafford, New Orleans LA., and eleven great grandchildren. He is also survived by a loving family of sisters and brothers-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and special life long friends. The family sincerely appreciates all who lovingly prayed for Rene. For their kindness many thanks to Teresa, and Jackie with Millennium Hospice.
Services to be held at St. Pius 1727 S.75th E. Ave, Tulsa, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 Visitation, 6:00pm-7:00pm, Rosary 7:00pm-7:30pm. Wednesday Nov. 30th, 2016 Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am. Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel (918) 663-2233