Marcus Lee Castle, age 72, of Sitka, KY, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Mark was born on October 13, 1953, in Paintsville, KY, to the late Billy Gene and Barbara VanHoose Castle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Shelley Eversole.

He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Jean (Jones) Castle of Fairborn, OH, who survives him. Together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, care, understanding, and patience.

Mark served his country proudly as a sergeant in the United States Army for six years. During his service, he and Jean welcomed their first child and only son, Andrew Scott Castle, in Monterey, California. Their family later grew with the birth of their daughters, Robin Sayrena and Amanda Michelle.

After completing his military service, Mark pursued a long and successful career in the automotive industry. He worked for many years as a Parts Department Manager and retired from Brown's Ford Dealership in Paintsville, KY. His dedication, work ethic, and genuine kindness earned him the respect of coworkers, customers, and community members.

Mark was also a devoted UK basketball fan. The sport was one of his greatest joys, and he made sure to pass that love on to his grandchildren. He taught every one of them how to play and proudly supported them from the sidelines—never missing a single game. His presence in the stands was a constant source of encouragement, pride, and love.

In 1998, Mark and Jean joyfully embraced a new chapter when Robin and her husband, Greg, welcomed their first child, making them grandparents for the first time.

Known lovingly as "Grandpa," Mark was an avid gardener and was especially known for his famous canned pickles. No meal in their kitchen ever seemed complete without a jar of Grandpa's pickles on the table.

Mark is survived by his children: Scott (Kristina) Castle of Frenchburg, KY; Robin (Greg) Smith of West Van Lear, KY; and Amanda (Arthur) Charles of Sitka, KY. He is also survived by two brothers, Adrian (Patty) Castle and Brian Castle; and four sisters, Billie (Donald) Hubbard, Jane (Mike) Frye, Tressa (Mark David) Smith, and Myra (Ken) Jones. He leaves behind ten grandchildren—Justin (Shannan), Lauren, Lacey, Coty (Carlie), Alissa (Jeremy), John (Callie), Joe, Katie, Jillian, and Grayson—six great-grandchildren, Elena, Colter Lee, Jaxson Ray, Waylon, Kennedy, and Lincoln, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Mark was a Christian, believed in Jesus, and enjoyed talking about going to meet his savior.

Mark was loved by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy rooted in the importance of family, compassion, hard work, and unconditional love.

Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel with Nick O'Brian officiating. Burial will follow in the Castle Family Cemetery, Nippa, Kentucky. Friends may visit the Jones-Preston Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. Full military honors will be conducted by the Auxier Chapter 18 Disabled American Veterans.

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both Honored and Privileged to be Entrusted with all funeral arrangements for Mr. Marcus Lee Castle.