Felix (Peco) Castille and Elsie Hollier Castille
Breaux Bridge – Felix (Peco) Castille and Elsie Hollier Castille were life long residents of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Peco passed away on November 8, 2023; Elsie passed away on January 10, 2024. Both died peacefully at home as per their wishes. Both were 93 years old and donated their bodies to the LSU School of Medicine.
Peco was born on February 16, 1930, to Valsin and Martha Landry Castille. Elsie was born on September 2, 1930, to John K. and Elizabeth Ducrest Hollier. She is survived by her twin brother Elwood Hollier.
Both graduated from Breaux Bridge High School in 1947- the last class to graduate in the eleventh grade. Peco was class president; Elsie was class secretary.
Following graduation, Peco enrolled in the U.S. Army. Elsie enrolled in the South Louisiana Institute(USL).
Below is a brief capsule of their lives.
Peco served in the Korean Conflict with the 218th Ambulance Company in Stuttgart, Germany. He was a medic and ambulance driver. Upon returning, he was employed as a salesman with Eagle Wholesale Drug Company for over 60 years. He retired at the age of 85.
Elsie completed her bachelor’s degree in home management. After graduation, she was employed with the LSU Agricultural Service and served as both a Home Demonstration agent and County agent in St. Martin Parish. During that time, she obtained a master’s degree from LSU. She retired with 30 years of service at the age of 55.
Peco was a founding member of the Breaux Bridge Lion’s Club. He was recognized as top salesman of his company and the Lion’s Benson Fruitcake fundraiser. After retiring, he volunteered at the St. Bernard/St. Francis Food Pantry. He was a committed member of Alcoholics Anonymous with 30 plus years of sobriety. His hobbies included horse racing, gambling, and traveling.
Elsie was a founding member of the St. Martin Parish Home Demonstration Clubs. She was recognized at the state and federal level as the Outstanding Home Economist. Following retirement, she volunteered at the Council on Aging, with St. Bernard Catholic Daughters, and Volunteers for Family and Community (VFC). She was a committed member of Alcoholics Anonymous with 40 years of sobriety. Her hobbies included gardening, volunteering, and traveling.
Peco and Elsie are survived by three daughters: Brenda Hobbs Yunis (John), Bess Stewart (William) and Tammy Theriot (Mitch). In addition, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren are left to celebrate their legacy: Casae Hobbs Briggs (Mitch), Ian Stewart (Aimee), Dustin Landry (Ashley), and Mark Stewart, Meadow and Knight Landry and Jacob Stewart.
Peco was predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Francis and Olden Castille, Rena Thibodaux, Eunice LeBlanc, Birdie Wiltz, Lita Cormier, and Annette Melancon. Elsie was predeceased by her parents and her brother Curtis Hollier.
Donations may be made in their memory to Hospice of Acadiana/Calcutta House and the Volunteers for Family and Community (VFC ) Scholarship Fund.
(Pd.Adv.)