Cory Castillo

Cory Garon Castillo, 47, passed away on February 19, 2025, in his home after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was a fighter, and he fought hard till the very end.

Cory was born in Defiance to Vicky and the late Bobby Castillo. He was a 1997 graduate of Defiance High School where he played on the football team. In 2005 he married Suzi Skiver.

Cory worked at General Motors Defiance most recently. In 2016 he moved his family to Chapel Hill Tennessee to work at General Motors. In 2021 he was part of the launch team for the Cadillac Lyric at General Motors Spring Hill, Tennessee. Although he lived most of his life in Defiance, his heart remained in Tennessee.

Cory, affectionately known as Pepe, was a big family and friends man, always wanting to have a gathering or be attending one. He loved vacationing with large groups of family and friends as well. He was the life of the party kind of guy! When he walked into a room, he was seen but definitely heard! It was one of the many qualities we all loved about Cory!

Cory was a big sports fan. He played little league football and baseball growing up. His number one teams were North Carolina Tar Heels basketball, Chicago Bears, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Lakers, and The Ohio State Buckeyes Football. One of his fondest memories was taking a trip with Suzi to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to visit the Tar Heel campus. He also had a fond love for golf, playing in several leagues over the years.

In addition to his wife, Suzi, survivors include a son, Haydon (Halie) of Custar and a son Garon at home. His mother, Vicky, sister, Ladonna Maynard (Dan), sister, Jessica Noirot, a brother Toby (Heidi), brother-in-law, Nathan Skiver (Kaylee) and sister-in-law Courtney Trice (Brandon). He also had an inherited sister, Alia Castillo. Father-in-law, Jerry Skiver (Tammy) and mother-in-law, Delores Skiver. Nephews; Austin, Cameron, Kobe, Keagan, Triston, Brogan, Kolton, Mason, Titus and Cruz. Nieces; Kinley, Miley, Kendall, Karlee, Marlena, Grace, Tessa, Penelope, Luna, Luz, Paisley and Aaliyah. They all thought he was the cool, fun uncle! 

Proceeding Cory in death was his biggest inspiration, his father, Bobby. Also proceeding him were paternal grandparents, Eliseo and Inez Castillo, and maternal grandparents, Robert and Donna Lacey.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A funeral service to celebrate Cory's life will be at 4:00 pm on Sunday, February 23rd at Xperience Church in Defiance with Pastor Kyle Brownlee officiating.

Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society or First Health Hospice.

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