Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Fisher Funeral Chapel
This information was originally posted March 22, 2024.
Kent Denver Castle, Webster, Texas, formerly of Logansport, Indiana, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
Born August 14, 1938, he was the son of the late JM Castle and Florence (Wortley) Castle.
A 1956 graduate of Logansport High School, Kent received a degree in electrical engineering at Purdue University in 1961.
Following graduation from Purdue, Kent moved to California where he began a career in aviation engineering. He first for Douglas Aircraft. While in California, he earned his PhD from Cal Tech. He had also worked for North American Rockwell and Lockheed.
On July 1, 1966, Kent moved to Texas where he began working as a research engineer with NASA. His fascination with space led to a fascinating career working on the team of several NASA programs such as Apollo, Skylab, the Space Shuttle Columbia, Viking 1 and Viking 2 probes and the Space Station, Chartering the unknown territory of the space program, Kent watched history unfold as he helped develop the parts and pieces of what eventually put man on the moon. One of his greatest contributions was a small deflection piece he developed for NASA to safeguard spaceships from lightning. He patented that device, along with several others, which were classified as avionics. While working at the Johnson Space Center, he was credited for founding the Johnson Space Center Amateur Radio Club (W5RRR).
In a 1983 article for the Pharos Tribune, Kent shared his story with reporter Dave Kitchell. One of his most memorable experiences occurred on June 20, 1969, while sitting at the communication console in Houston, when Kent heard Neil Armstrong utter those famous words, ” Houston, this is Tranquility Base. The eagle has landed.”
He is survived by daughter, Kecia Beth Castle, and son, Kerrick J. Castle and his wife, Johanna C. Castle; and two grandchildren, Nicole E. Castle & Matthew A. Castle.
A memorial service celebrating Kent’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, in Fisher Funeral Chapel. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1 p.m., prior to the service.
Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Logansport, Indiana.
You may share memories and offer condolences on Kent’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.