Joshua Frank Castro

Joshua Frank Castro

On Feb. 25, 1990, Tera Lee Cook and Carlos "Frank" Castro welcomed into the world a son, and they would name him Joshua Frank Castro. Joshua had a big heart, a bright smile and an artistic talent. He had a quiet but funny personality, and a love and devotion for his family. He died at his home in Billings on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.

He spent most of his life in Billings, where he had a strong relationship with his father, Frank. They both had a love for cars. When they would come together and detail cars, it was a learning and bonding time as father and son, which was very special to both of them.

Joshua enjoyed learning, and was very intelligent. He achieved his GED shortly after he moved to Arizona for a short time to be near his mother, sister and extended family members. While there, he blessed them with his love, laughter and his amazing hugs, which always included a few light pats on the back.

It was when he moved back to Billings when he found love with Angelica in late 2014. As they joined as a couple, their affection and devotion grew quickly, which led to them welcoming their son into this world on Nov. 30, 2015, and they would name him Joshua Frank Castro Jr. Josh was filled with hope for the future; he embraced being a father to Angelica's two daughters, Isabelle and Aubrey; and baby Joshua completed his full family of togetherness.

Joshie, as his family called him, was good at so many things. He had a great artistic talent, although shy to share, he was so proud when people expressed their delight for his work. He had an affinity for video games and music. He was gentle, kindhearted, sensitive, easily and deeply wounded, and cried freely from both joy and sadness. As he grew into a man, he found a new energy and acceptance of his life, although he maintained the walls to protect his fragile self. As with many young individuals, there were times he was challenged to see the sunshine and brightness in his future days. Each of us will continue to ask ourselves - was there anything I could have said or done, why did he leave the stage in the middle of his life's song.... We will always hold him close, in our minds and in our hearts.

He is survived by many family members who loved him dearly and will miss him very much:

Angelica Schilling; her two daughters, Isabelle and Aubrey; their son, Joshua Jr., all from Billings; as well as Angelica's extended family members.

Maternal: mother, Tera Cook; sister, Ashley DeLeon; brother, Anthony Chaves; grandfathers, Dwaine L. Cook and Harold Rowe, all from the Chandler, Ariz. area; all of his aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Paternal: father, Carlos "Frank" Castro; grandmother, Mary Maciel Diaz, Billings; all of his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Preceding him in death is his loving maternal grandmother, Janice D. Rowe, and paternal grandfather, Juan Castro Sr.

Instead of your kind gesture of flowers, it is his family's wish that you conduct a random act of kindness for someone who needs some sunshine in their day, and share with them that it is in honor of dear, beloved Joshie. And when you give a hug to others, please include a little pat on the back, so his love and memory will live on.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, Billings. Following the service, please join the family for a reception at The Kelly Inn, 5610 South Frontage Road, Billings.