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CASTEEL -- Robert E. Casteel, a resident of the Albuquerque area since 1945, passed away on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, January 26. 1922, and was preceded in death by his wife, Bette, in August 2001. He is survived by his son, Douglas Casteel; grandson, Dustin Casteel; his loving friend Sally McGrath; and his extended family, Vicki Vehar and Valla Merrell. He was a resident of Corrales since 1958 and an employee of Stromberg's Men's Wear for 37 years as manager, buyer, and president the last ten years of his tenure. Prior to his retirement, he served on the National Board of Menswear Retailers of America. Bob was a WW II pilot, flying combat in Martin B-26s and in B-25s in Europe, and A-26s over China and Japan. He joined the New Mexico Air National Guard in 1947 and later flew P-51s and F-80s during and after the Korean War. He received the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the European Theater Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star, the Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem with one oak leaf cluster and the French Croix de Guerre avec palm, among other awards and decorations. He was a past member of the Corrales Watershed Board and a member of the Albuquerque Hanger of Quiet Birdmen. He enjoyed golf, skiing and a good martini. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on, Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the Old San Ysidro Church in Corrales, (exact time will be posted closer to service date). The family requests that in lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Corrales Historical Society (505) 898-8749 or to Pegasus Legal Services for Children www.pegasuslaw.org (505) 244-1101, in his behalf. Please visit our online guest book for Robert at RememberTheirStory.com. French Mortuary 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505) 897-0300
        Published on: Sun May 10, 2009