Jose C. Castorena,80, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 5 following a period of declining health.
Jose is the son of the Late Cruz Castorena and Dora (Sylva) Martinez and was the husband to the late Agnes Littlejohn Castorena. He was a US Army veteran for 24 years serving his country in the Korean War, two tours in Vietnam and two tours in Panama. He retired with the rank of Master Sargeant and always kept his service close to his and his families hearts. Upon his leaving the military, he became involved in law enforcement where he served his community again in Oklahoma for twenty more years as an Under Sheriff, Drug Enforcement official and as a private investigator for a District Attorney. His service to his country and community are praiseworthy to say the least.
Jose is survived by his children; daughters, Polly Castorena of Wolftown, Judy Castorena of Wolftown, and Jonnie and husband Wilson Walkingstick of the 3200 acre tract; son, Kenneth Castorena of San Antonio, TX; sister-in-law, Sallie Reed; brother-in-law, Tom Littlejohn; nephew, Michael Alexander of Wichita Falls, TX; two great-nephews, Adonis and Apollo Alexander of Wichita Falls, TX; one grand child and one great grandchild.
Along with his parents and wife Jose is preceded in death by one sister, Elosia Alexander.
A funeral service is planned for Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2pm with a visitation prior to the service from 12pm until the 2pm service hour. The services will be held in the Chapel of Long House Funeral Home in Cherokee with the Rev. Patricia Crockett officating. Military honors will be rendered by the Army Honor Guard detachment from Ft. Bragg with the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post 143 standing by to assist. An immediate graveside committal will take place in the Littlejohn Cemetery off of Smiley Littlejohn Rd.
Long House Funeral Home is assisting in the arrangements of service.