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Victor and Michelle Castillo with daughters, Ava and Sophia -
Dairy Queen put up a sign in honor of Victor Castillo, a beloved pastor in the community that passed away over New Years weekend. Wyndi Veigel-Gaudette | Citizen staff photo
“God gained an amazing warrior.”
These were the words used to honor the life of Victor Castillo, the pastor of Calvary Fellowship of Dublin, on the sign at Dublin’s Dairy Queen. He passed on Friday, Dec. 29 at the age of 45.
Castillo had become a warrior for God decades ago and through his patience, love and devotion, he was able to inspire many others into faith and in serving their neighbors in His name.
“Victor left a legacy behind and set an example of what a father, husband and follower of Christ should look like,” said his wife, Michelle. “He loved unconditionally no matter who it was. He was very loved, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
The messages left for both Michelle and Victor on social media reinforce this.
Dubliner Brian Bielstein wrote on Victor’s Facebook page: “I’ve never met another man who selflessly displayed the love and heart of Jesus as much as my good friend and pastor Victor Castillo. I’m heartbroken but I know exactly what he would say. ‘Let’s pray about it.’” Michelle, who was his partner in ministry as well as life, said this was his favorite duty as pastor.
“He loved to be out in the community and loved serving people,” she said. “ It was his honor to pray for every person he met. No matter if you were coming or going, if you crossed Victor’s path, he would say, ‘Let me pray for you.’” Michelle started ministering with Victor more than 22 years ago.
He was born in Puerto Vallarta to Conrado and Maria Castillo and moved to Stephenville when he was in elementary school. Victor graduated from SHS in 1997 and treasured his time on the Yellowjacket football team.
After graduation he attended Master’s Commission in Austin where he received a degree in Biblical Studies. While earning this degree, he traveled around the U.S. ministering at outreaches, schools and homeless shelters and participated in mission trips around the world.
Julia Martin, a fellow student at Master’s Commission, remembered the passion and compassion he was already displaying at the age of 21.
“He had a passion for the Lord that challenged me,” Martin said. “His smile and humble spirit were contagious.”
When he returned to Stephenville, he helped at his family’s restaurant in Stephenville and became involved in several ministries: as Children’s Pastor for Cornerstone Assembly, Chi Alpha Campus Ministry and Jesus Crew Street Ministry.
It was at a Chi Alpha bonfire where Victor met Michelle.
She was drawn in from the first impression.
“He always had a big smile that instantly welcomed you in your conversation with him,” she recalled. “He was the most sincere person in any room. His excitement for ministry was contagious and he ministered everywhere he went. He never met a stranger and would literally give you the shoes off his feet or the jacket off of his back.”
They were married in August 2006 and had two daughters, Ava and Sophia.
The couple spent the last 22 years ministering together across North Texas as youth and children’s pastors.
This commitment led to the foundations of Calvary Fellowship as a house church (under the mentorship of Calvary Chapel) in November 2019.
Over the next nine months, Victor preached weekly services indoors and outdoors and in local businesses and coffee shops before or after hours. They found a permanent home at 604 N. Patrick after acquiring the former site of Best Value Pharmacy.
In addition to Wednesday and Sunday services, the church offers Women’s and Men’s bible study, Marriage Discipleship, Breakthrough Recovery class and weekly prayer ministry. Vacation Bible School and Youth Camp are both offered during the summer break.
The Church also offered a way for Victor to marry his love of ministry and grilling for the “Feed My Sheep Ministry” as Calvary opens its doors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday-Saturday for prayer and serving $1 brisket tacos to fund the ministry of Calvary Fellowship.
Michelle said he was most proud of the family that has built around Calvary Fellowship. “When someone is in need, everyone steps in,” Michelle said. “When we serve the community, we all serve together.”
This was evident as the 2024 Erath County Jr. Livestock Show began this week and Calvary Fellowship volunteers joined others from Transformation Pathway Christian Women’s Job Corps in serving brisket and concessions. Members gathered around the smoker on Monday morning said how eager Victor was to share in the event as part of their ministry.
A picture of the pastor is prominently displayed on the wall in the concession area, watching over the community he served and volunteers he touched who will carry on his legacy.
A GoFundMe Account was set up (https://gofund. me/feaac7d1) to assist Michelle with unexpected expenses, bills and caring for their children.
Donations can also be made to Calvary Fellowship to help with continued ministry and the renovations of the church to better accommodate classes and the needs of weekly ministries.