Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and coach, Benjamin "Ben" Castro, 85, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away Aug. 10, 2015, at the Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho. He was born Jan. 26, 1930, in Santa Barbara, Calif. Ben was the son of Antonio and Celia (Arellano) Garcia.

Ben attended and graduated from Garfield High School in Los Angeles, Calif. He then served in the U.S. Army as an MP (Military Police) during the Korean Conflict.

Ben married Mary Ellen Leis on Dec. 16, 1967, in Norwalk, Calif.

After honorably serving for our country, Ben worked for the Los Angeles Times for 19 years, as a linotype director. Throughout his working career, Ben studied to further his education; he attended the Los Angeles Trade Technical College, the University of California Los Angeles and lastly, the California State University in Long Beach, Calif., where he received his master's degree. Ben then served as a professor of graphic arts at the Fullerton Community College in Fullerton, Calif.; he then retired.

In 1978, Ben and his wife, Mary Ellen, purchased a home in the Silver Valley and would visit on vacations and special times. After retiring in 1996, they moved to the Silver Valley making this their home. After moving here, Ben served as a beloved and respected coach in track and cross country running for the Kellogg School District.

Ben was a member of the Silver Valley Kiwanis Club, a member of the American Legion and a member of the Pinehurst Lions Club. He loved and enjoyed coaching, children and gardening.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary Ellen Castro of the family home in Osburn; two children Kim (Bill) Esquerre of Chino Hills, Calif.; and Mark (Lupe) Mantle of Artesia, Calif.; two grandchildren Leah (Mike) Kline of El Dorado Hills, Calif., and Jason (Julie) Mantle of Denver, Colo.; one great-granddaughter Allyson Kline; one sister Edna Quintero of Palmdale, Calif.; he is also survived by several nieces and nephews including Michael, Yolanda and Robert Quintero. Ben was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at the Silver Valley Worship Center in Smelterville, Idaho. A reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at the Church Fellowship Hall following services.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Kellogg High School Athletic Program, 2 Jacobs Gulch Road, Kellogg, ID 83837.

One may sign Ben's online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.