Wayburn Kaywood Castleschouldt
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Born: June 24, 1934
Died: November 19, 2021
Wayburn was born near Plantersville in Montgomery County on June 24, 1934, to William (WM) Castleschouldt and Martha Marie (Swonke) Castleschouldt.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Willie Joe Castleschouldt, Luke Charles Castleschouldt, Ruth Marie Redden & Glen Marshal Castleschouldt. He is survived by his wife Barbara Castleschouldt, brother Wesley James Castleschouldt and sisters, Theresa Luvan Simmons and Patricia Ann Castleschouldt.
Wayburn has four children, Coletta Castleschouldt & husband Laurent Astolfi, Mark & Teresa Castleschouldt, Dee Canada Mike Canada, and Todd Castleschouldt. He is blessed with 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition, Wayburn has 3 stepchildren, Jeffrey and (Jamie) Kolek, Kim and (Robert) Pickett, and Greg and (Trish) Kolek, and 3 step-grandchildren.
Wayburn grew up in a large family and like many others during this time period the family struggled through very difficult times. This experience served to mold his hard work ethic and desire to better himself and his entire family. He began working alongside his older brother Wesley at the ages of 7 and 8 years old at Barbers Market in Conroe Texas to help support the family after their home burned down. The Castleschouldt family were very active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe. His younger years were consumed with work and attending school. His experience working at Barbers Market led he and his older brother Luke Charles to open their own grocery store named for the two brothers, it was called L&K Grocery. The other brothers subsequently joined in, and the business soon became a very successful one which provided employment for many of the community members in Willis and Conroe over a decade. During this same time, just for fun, he owned and produced a local newspaper called The Spectator. Each week reported all local comings and goings in Willis and the region with Wayburn acting as writer and photographer, sometime editor, presiding over it all. His younger sister, Luvan, headed the marketing department selling ads to local businesses. In 1970 Wayburn helped celebrate the Willis 100 year Anniversary with the issue of the Spectator Willis Centennial 1870-1970 Collector's Limited Edition.
Wayburn was a natural leader and entrepreneur, unafraid to try new things. After the Grocery Business, he obtained his Realtor License working for Yeager Realty. He went on to work for the Willis ISD as the tax collector for 5 years which then led to a position at Montgomery County Appraisal District. Wayburn generously shared in his opportunities with his friends and loved ones, he opened the door for many others along his journey. Wayburn had a strong spirit and preferred to steer his own ship, thus resulting in his next venture which was the purchase of Willis Propane Company in 1989. The business flourished and established a name within 3 counties. In 2000 he sold the company and retired to his property which he lovingly referred to as "The Place". After a brief respite he applied for a part-time job as a butcher at Wise Grocery Store in Willis, Texas working for Myrna and Larry Wise. Ironically his Uncle George held that same position decades earlier. Wayburn called it "working for fun" and thoroughly enjoyed it! Wayburn achieved great success at everything he tried his hand at, A community leader, He was well known, and respected, Wayburn attributed all of it to his Mother's example of hard work, diligence, and her strong faith which she instilled in her children early on.
Finally, Wayburn was a good husband and wonderful Father to his children. If they expressed an interest, he encouraged them to follow their dreams. Tennis, judo, boxing, basketball, piano lessons, and art all played into the equation. There weren't enough hours in the day and yet he always found time to attend as many events as he could.
In his golden years Wayburn met and married Barbara Gradel Castleschouldt. Barbara hails from Wisconsin and she introduced this southern man to the beauty of the Great Lakes Region. They enjoyed many new adventures and travels together. Wayburn and Barbara especially enjoyed hosting the Family Reunions and spent as much time as possible enjoying the last chapters of his life. Barbara gifted him with her love and care and provided him with his greatest little buddy, Nikki, their little dog. Together they were by his side, along with family and friends as Wayburn continued his final journey on November 19, 2021.
He was a good man.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in The Chapel at Conroe Funeral Directors.