Eugene Albert Castleberry

Eugene “Gene” Albert Castleberry, born in Wichita, Kansas on August 26, 1936, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, in Puyallup, Washington at the age of 87.

Eugene's life was a testament to the power of faith and the grace of God. Throughout his life, he found strength and guidance in his faith, which shone brightly through his actions and interactions with others.

His family moved from Kansas to Tacoma, Washington in 1942. Eugene attended Catholic schools in Tacoma before beginning his career at the Tacoma People’s Store. While working in the drapery department, Eugene met co-worker, Yvonne Schutz. Together, they created a beautiful love story for 64 years until Yvonne’s passing in 2021. Eugene’s retail career took them from Washington to Montana to Colorado. Before Yvonne’s death, they moved to Puyallup to be closer to their beloved daughters.

At the Rivers in Puyallup, Eugene found a new home filled with compassionate care and warm-hearted friendships.  He was a true “people” person who believed life was about the connections you make wherever you go. He approached life with a joyful and competitive spirit, always eager to embrace new activities. Known affectionately as the "cheeseburger guy," Eugene relished a cheeseburger almost every day for lunch, complemented by happy hours with a gin and tonic. He cherished playing cribbage, taking trips to the casino, solving hundreds of puzzles, listening to music, playing games and painting rocks. The vibrant painted rocks that now grace the courtyard at The Rivers stand as a testament to Eugene’s creativity and zest for life.

During his final weeks, Eugene shared heartfelt conversations with his family, reflecting on his wonderful life, happiness, faith, sense of peace, and the love and care from family and friends. Eugene lived by the adage, "When one door closes, another one opens" embracing each new chapter with hope and positivity.

Eugene is survived by his two daughters, Chris and Stacey, and their husbands, Rick and Craig; five grandchildren Justin (Stephanie), Corey (Matt), Ryan, Kyle (Marley) and Lauren; five great-grandchildren; his brother, Ron; and a host of family and friends who will miss his warmth, humor, and kindness. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Catholic Church on Saturday, July 13th at 11:00am with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to All Saints Church in honor of Eugene's generous and caring spirit. https://pushpay.com/g/allsaintsparish , select "give one time" and include a note in the memo box.  Checks should be made payable to All Saints Church and mailed to the parish office at 204 6th Ave. SW, Puyallup, WA 98371.