06/12/2026
The day I have dreaded has finally happened. My world has crumbled. My daddy passed away this morning.
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Tom B. Castor, age 85, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grand father, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Visitation, Wednesday, June 17, from 1-7pm with family present 5:30-7pm at Webb Shinkle Mortuary, 200 S Tracy, Clearwater. Funeral Services, Thursday, June 18, 11am at Clearwater United Methodist Church, 130 N 1st, Clearwater.
Preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Louise (Branch) Castor; brothers, Frank Castor and Wayne Castor.
Survived by loving wife, Martha “Marti” (Prilliman) Castor of Clearwater; children, Thomas (Jerri) Castor of Clearwater, Robin (Matt) Stafford of Lyons, and Iris “Risse” (Greg Schurr) Zimmerman of Wichita; grandchildren, Tommy (Morgan) Castor, Zachary (Katie) Castor, Tessa (Curtis) Rylant, Trey (Robyn) Stafford, Blake (Ashlyn) Stafford, Luzianne (Jaureque) Jones, Trent (Courtney) Zimmerman, and Tegan (Ethan) Luckner; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Carson, Callahan, Wesley, and Walker; siblings, Joe (Merry) Castor and Susanne Mote.
Tom Biddle Castor's life was a testament to hard work, love, and devotion to family. Born on May 19, 1941, in Wichita, Kansas, Tom spent his childhood on the family farm in Conway Springs alongside his four siblings. Living life on the farm taught him the value of perseverance, responsibility, and hard work, qualities that would define him throughout his life. He graduated from Conway Springs High School in 1959 and soon after met the young woman who would forever change his life.
Tom first met Martha "Marti" Lou Prilliman at the Sweet Shop in Conway Springs; the couple began dating and were soon engaged in March of 1961. On May 27, 1961, Tom and Marti were married in Marti's parents' backyard, just three days after she graduated from high school. The story that was always told is that Tom went to Marti’s parents' auction the day of their wedding. Tom always liked to joke, "I went to the auction and came home with a wife." This would be the start of their beautiful love story.
They began their life together in Ada, Oklahoma, where they welcomed their first child, Tom W., in 1962. After spending several years in Oklahoma, they returned to Kansas and welcomed their daughter Robin in 1966. In 1971, Tom and Marti moved to Clearwater, Kansas, where they found their family home that would remain at the center of countless memories for generations to come. Their youngest daughter, Iris (Risse), completed the family in 1973.
Tom’s greatest accomplishments were never found in a job title, but in the family he built. His children would describe him as “the best father we could ever have asked for.” No matter what he was doing, Tom would drop everything to help his children whenever they needed him. He taught his family by example, showing that perseverance matters, that hard work pays off, and that you never quit when life gets difficult. Tom also set the standard for how a husband should treat his wife and how a family should care for one another through the actions he would show each day
Professionally, Tom worked a variety of jobs throughout his life, from picking pears to bridge work. In 1966, he began working for Mid-Kansas, now known as APAC, where he spent the majority of his career. Tom showed diligence as he worked his way into roles as a superintendent and estimator. He remained with the company until his retirement in 2006, earning the respect of coworkers through his intelligence, work ethic, and commitment to always doing things right.
Outside of work, Tom treasured time with his family above all else. He loved camping trips, family vacations, and making memories with his children and grandchildren. Branson held a special place in the Castor family's heart, and many adventures began with Tom coming home and announcing, "You have 10 minutes to pack your things and get in the car." What started as family trips with his children later became traditions shared with his grandchildren, creating generations of cherished memories in a place they all came to love. He also enjoyed working in his yard, caring for his birds, and spending time with his beloved dog, Elf. No matter what he was doing, Tom's greatest joy was being surrounded by the people he loved.
Tom and Marti's love story lasted over six decades; their relationship was unlike any other. The way they loved and cared for each other was rare. There was not a day that Tom didn’t make sure to show his love to Marti. Family will always remember how Tom would always look at Marti as the most beautiful woman ever to live, and their dancing in the kitchen. Their love was constant and unquestionable. Tom spent his life devoted to Marti; he opened doors, waited patiently outside countless hair appointments, and always ensured she knew how much he loved her.
Tom Biddle Castor was the type of man you never forgot. He left behind a legacy of love, loyalty, hard work, and his family. A memory that will never be forgotten will be the waving window in Tom and Marti’s house. Before any family member left their house, they were standing in the window with the sign language “I love you”, reminding those who left how much he loved them and to be safe on their travels. Memories like these will never be forgotten, just like his laugh and silly jokes. Tom will always be remembered as the best Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Papa, whose love truly showed no bounds. Tom will always be waving from his window from above.
Memorial in the memory of Tom: Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 453, Clearwater, KS 67026.
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