
Arlington National Cemetery held a special place in the heart of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. (Ret.) William “Bill” Casteel Jr. When Casteel was stationed at nearby Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, he met his wife, Catherine Boatright Casteel. "He always wanted to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery due to its history of honor, tradition and legacy. He enjoyed the sense of pride and peacefulness he felt when he visited the cemetery, and wanted to ensure his service and sacrifice would not be forgotten after he was gone," said Hillary Hillmann, his step-granddaughter.
Friends and family gathered at ANC on Sept. 4, 2025, to honor Casteel’s life and legacy. Born in southwest Virginia as one of eight children, Casteel demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service, family and community.
Drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 18, Casteel served during the Vietnam War and earned both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Following more than two decades of honorable service in the Army, Casteel continued his commitment to public service with the United States Marshals Service, retiring in Alexandria, Virginia.
Beyond his professional service, Casteel cherished his 32-year marriage to Catherine until she passed in 2010. Though he had no children of his own, he embraced and loved his stepson, Larry Hudson, his step-granddaughter, Hillary Hillmann and his step-great-granddaughters as his own family. Hillmann recalled, “Although he was not my biological grandfather, he was extremely involved in my life from birth. Bill and my grandma watched me after school, attended every one of my school and sporting events and were a constant presence and form of support in my life.”
Casteel leaves behind a legacy of service, devotion and unwavering love. “He lived a very long, fulfilling life and we all love and miss him."