Ronald J. Castle, 79 of Thomasboro, died at 3:46 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Waters of Covington, Covington, Indiana.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton with Rev. James Lehmann officiating.  Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Danville National Cemetery.

Ronald was born June 17, 1946, in Viroqua, Wisconsin.  He graduated from Seneca High School, Seneca, Wisconsin in 1964.  He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps 1966-1993.  During that time, he did two tours in Viet Nam and was a helicopter machine gunner.  His Marine Corps career included a NCOIC for the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia, a drill instructor in Parris Island, SC and teaching in the weather school in South Carolina and Chanute Air Force Base.

After his retirement from the Marine Corps, he became a counselor for the Department of Corrections and retired in 2014, after 20 years.

He married Nancy Kay Henthorn July 9, 1966, in Utica Lutheran Church, Wisconsin.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Nancy, he is survived by two daughters, Teresa Youmans of Armstrong, Christina (Darren) Johnson of Rantoul; five grandchildren, Travis (Kate) Youmans, Michael (Jackie) Youmans, Dillon (Dallas) Johnson, Cole Johnson, Kylie Johnson; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Anne Ellefson of La Crosse, Wisconsin; two  brothers, Lewis (Laurie) Ellefson of West Salem, Wisconsin, Randy (Jean) Ellefson of Ferryville, Wisconsin; several nieces and nephews and a dear family friend, Eddie (Brenda) John of Fithian.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ellen Moldrem Ellefson, an infant brother and a son-in-law, Mark Youmans.

Ron was a member of the Richard L. Pittman Marine Corps League Detachment #1231, Champaign.  He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan.  He enjoyed bowling and was on multiple leagues.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Champaign County Humane Society.  Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.