Dean Leroy Castillo, 71, passed away at his home on September 4, 2026.
Dean was born on September 27, 1954, in Alton, to Jesus Castillo and Prudence (Graham) Castillo, both of whom preceded him in death.
Dean was a man whose life was deeply rooted in faith, family, and music. He loved Jesus, and his faith was an important part of the man he was. He loved his family dearly, and perhaps nothing brought him greater joy than being a grandfather. His grandchildren held an especially treasured place in his heart, and he was incredibly proud of each of them.
Dean is survived by his daughter, Desiree Bock and her husband, Paul, and his son, Ross Bailey and his wife, Lisa. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Ty Bock, Maya Bock, Jaxson Bailey, Lincoln Bailey, McKenzie Madison, and Nicholas Madison. Music was not simply one of Dean's passions—it was a part of him almost from the very beginning. He began playing the drums at just five years old, and by the age of twelve, he was already playing in a band. From those early years forward, the drums became a lifelong companion.
To those who knew him through music, Dean was simply "Deano." Behind a drum kit was where Deano truly came alive. He was a beautifully talented drummer with a natural gift for rhythm, and throughout his life he played with numerous bands and musicians across many states. For Deano, music was far more than performing. It brought him friendships that lasted through the years, countless stories and memories, and the opportunity to connect with people everywhere he went. Those who shared a stage with him—and those who had the privilege of hearing him play—knew the unmistakable talent, energy, and personality behind the drum kit.
"Deano" was more than a nickname. It became a name woven into decades of music, friendships, late nights, stages, songs, and memories that will continue long after the final beat. But there was much more to Dean than his music. He had a keen sense of humor and never met a stranger. He could talk to just about anyone and had a way of making people laugh and feel welcome. His warmth, humor, and loving spirit left an impression on the many people whose paths crossed his.
Dean is also survived by his siblings, Joe Castillo, Mary Meyers, and Helen Weiss, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, fellow musicians, and others who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Prudence Castillo; his siblings, Jesse Castillo, Tony Castillo, Michael Castillo, and Kay Rehder; and his former wife, Stacy Castillo.
Above everything else, Dean's greatest legacy can be found in the people he loved. His children and grandchildren will carry pieces of him forward—in the stories they tell, the laughter they remember, the music they hear, and the love of family he passed down to them. Those who knew Dean will remember a man who loved Jesus, loved his family fiercely, could make people laugh, never met a stranger, and had music running through him from the time he was a little boy. He picked up the drumsticks at five years old and spent the rest of his life keeping the beat. Though the drummer has now laid down his sticks, Deano's rhythm lives on—in his music, in the people who played alongside him, and most of all, in the family he loved so deeply. There is comfort in knowing that Dean's earthly journey has ended in the arms of the Savior he loved and that, for him, this is not goodbye but homecoming. He was deeply loved, he will be forever missed, and the beautiful rhythm he brought into this world will never truly fade.
Cremation rites were entrusted to Marks Mortuary in Wood River.
A celebration of Dean's life will be planned and announced at a later date.