Leona LaVerne Castle

Leona LaVerne Castle of Garland, Texas passed from this life on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at her home in Garland to assemble with the saints in heaven. She was born on October 2, 1935 in Kennett, Missouri to Dean and Alice Dees Thomas.

Leona graduated from Kennett High School in 1953. She married William Wesley Castle, Jr. who preceded her in death in May, 1976. Their marriage was blessed with four children.

Leona was a very gifted and talented seamstress since she was a teenager. She designed and created numerous bridal gowns, bridal party dresses, prom dresses, children’s’ clothes, and an abundance of doll clothes. Upon moving to Texas she worked at a Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store in Garland, Texas, and pursued a sewing ministry to many in her family and church community.

For 10 years she and her sister, Norma Bell, owned and operated B&R Flower Shop in Kennett. During this time, she also served as the relief house parent for a State of Missouri’s group home of special needs adults.

She was a long time member of First Assembly of God at Firewheel. As long as she was physically able, she loved to participate in the Prime Timers Sunday School Class and social events.

Leona is survived by her children, Donna Castle Wagner and husband Marty, Mark Randolph Castle, Curtis Ray Castle and wife Lisa, and Anita Castle Smith and husband Don, and eight grandchildren: Lacy Wagner Canas, Sarah Anita Wagner Flynn, Wesley Dunnam, Daniel Ray Dunnam, James Michael Dunnam, Audrey Nicole Castle, Courtney Michelle Castle and Erik Paul Castle. Leona had 2 great grandchildren, whom she loved and adored. Madison Nell Dunnam, daughter of Wesley and Kendall Dunnam; and Antonio Ernesto Canas, son of Javier and Lacy Wagner Canas. Leona is also survived by all her siblings: Rev. Virginia DeMent of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Budde Thomas of Oak Dale, Connecticut, Arlan Thomas of N. Swansea, Massachusetts, Joyce White of Mid West City, Oklahoma, Norma Bell of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and Marlin Thomas of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Leona will be eternally loved and eternally missed by all those who were blessed to be touched by her life.

Visitation will be 6 " 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 2925 Fifth Street in Sachse, 972-414-5050. Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at First Assembly of God at Firewheel, 5500 Lavon Drive in Garland, 972-495-5011. Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012 in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Kennett, Missouri.