Bes Castleman

Bes Owens Castleman went to be with the Lord on June 2, 2022 in Odessa, Texas at the age of 86. Bes was born on July 6, 1935, in Magdelena, New Mexico to Lola Perdue Wyche and Ira B. Wyche.  Bes graduated from Eunice High School in 1953.  Bes briefly worked for the FBI in Albuquerque, NM before making Hobbs, NM her home for the next 45 years.  Bes worked as a Legal Secretary for the J.W. Neal Law Firm from 1956 until retirement in 2001, 45 years.  Bes formed the Lea County Legal Secretaries Association, NM Association of Legal Secretaries, and was local and state president for several years as well as National Director during this time. She also served on the Board of Directors of Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame from 1988-1993, then again from 1998-2001 and on the Board of Directors for Hospice Services from 1990-2000. Bes married Don Castleman on April 30th, 1971. Eventually, they moved to Gardendale and then into Odessa in 2002. They enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and driving for the American Cancer Society in Odessa.

She is preceded in death by her father, Ira B. Wyche, two sisters, Eleanor Wyche and Helen Sue Miller, Mother, Lola McGowen, Husband, Calvin Don Castleman, Brother, James Wyche, and Great Granddaughter, Julianne Kate Brooks.

Bes is survived by her daughter, Sherri Brooks and Steve, her son, Larry Castleman and Juhree.  Five grandchildren, Cory Brooks and Marianne, Lance Brooks and Jordan, Jaci Rivas and Trey, Riley Castleman and Anaisa, and Emily Castleman. Six great grandchildren, Conner Don Brooks, Tayzha Kate Brooks, Kaden Ray Brooks, Easton Kent Brooks, Peyton Grace Brooks, and Brynn Ellison Rivas.

Bes, better known as Meme was loved by many and took several under her wing for life. She loved her family, and her grands were her life in her elder years. Meme was the bridge for our family. She fell in love with her church home, The Bridge. Donnie Williams not only served as her pastor but also was her dear friend.