Solomon Castleberry Jr.

Solomon Castleberry Jr., (Junior) 100, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on January 8, 2026, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was born on September 6, 1925, in Cushing, Oklahoma, and grew up in Tryon. He shared a very small farmhouse with 4 siblings and his mom for many years while attending a one room schoolhouse, afterwards graduating from Tryon High School in 1943. After completing his education, Solomon was drafted into military service in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and proudly joined the Army Air Corps, where he attained the rank of Sergeant, serving his country with honor as a flight crew member on the B-29. He served his time during World War II in the Philippines and Japan, as Tail Gunner and Central Fire Command on two planes, The Lady in Waiting and The Too Late. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned home.

He met Twilla Anderson when he was 15 years old, introduced by a common friend, and 5 years later on December 9, 1945, Solomon married the love of his life at the First Baptist Church in Carney, Oklahoma. Their marriage was a testament to love and commitment, celebrated with joyful memories over the course of 80 wonderful years together. Solomon’s love for Twilla was unwavering, and their partnership was a cherished foundation for their family. They were truly an inspiration to everyone who had the pleasure to meet them.

Solomon attended Oklahoma A&M, now OSU, shortly after the start of his marriage, and thus began the Castleberry love of the Cowboys. Both sons attended OSU, as did 3 grandchildren.

In 1950, at Tinker Field in Midwest City, he began his 23 year career in the Air Force as a Electronics, Computer, and Communications Specialist, a career that saw him travel away from home for extended periods as his Top Secret Clearance required him to work on highly secret missile systems during the buildup of the Cold War. He retired in 1973 and he and Twilla moved back to the Carney area and built their dream home on 40 acres south of town.

In later years, he and Twilla moved back to Midwest City to be closer to health care, and then ultimately to Legacy Village in Stillwater, to live out his final years. He loved family, friends, cars, a good cup of coffee, bacon, milky way candy bars, vanilla ice cream, and coconut cake.

Solomon is survived by his devoted wife, Twilla; his son and daughter-in-law, Mel and Jennifer Castleberry; his daughter-in-law, Mary Castleberry; his grandchildren, Shelly (Castleberry) Ray and her husband Wes, Justin Castleberry and his wife Lindsay, Kade Castleberry and his wife Hailey, Brittany (Castleberry) Rimgale and her husband Tim, and Stephany (Castleberry) Bristol and her husband Chris; as well as 10 great-grandchildren and another due in May of this year, who will carry on his legacy. He also leaves behind his sister, Clytee Castleberry Taylor, in San Antonio who held a special place in his heart.

Solomon is preceded in death by his parents, Solomon Sr. and Silvia Castleberry; his son, Myron Castleberry; and his siblings, Ervin Castleberry, Thomas Castleberry, and Geneva (Castleberry) Mansell. Each of these departed loved ones was an integral part of Solomon’s life, influencing the man he became.

Through his life, Solomon Castleberry Jr. exemplified integrity, love, and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his kindness and spirit and the memories made will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends. Solomon was a member of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Oklahoma and is proud to wear the apron upon his passing.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Walker Hospice c/o Dighton Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington St., Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075.

Condolences may be sent to the family via online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com