Longtime Welder Michael E. Castleberry Dies at 75

Castleberry was a member of the Fairdealing Church of Christ and enjoyed watching his son become a professional musician in Nashville.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:32pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting the blurred silhouette of a pair of hands working on a welding project, conceptually representing the lifelong career and legacy of Michael E. Castleberry.The passing of longtime Benton welder Michael E. Castleberry marks the end of an era for a dedicated community member.Benton Today

Michael E. Castleberry, a 75-year-old retired welder from Benton, Kentucky, passed away on April 4, 2026 at Spring Creek Health Care in Murray, Kentucky. Castleberry was the son of the late Paul and Lillie Castleberry and was a member of the Fairdealing Church of Christ. He is survived by his son, daughter, sisters, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Why it matters

Castleberry's passing marks the end of an era for a longtime member of the Benton community who dedicated his career to welding and took pride in watching his son pursue a successful music career in Nashville.

The details

Castleberry was a retired welder who worked for James Marine in Paducah, Kentucky. He was married to his wife, Irma Jane (Boros) Castleberry, for 44 years before her passing. In addition to his son and daughter, Castleberry is survived by his sisters Paula Bell and Sharon Thompson, as well as several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

  • Castleberry passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • He was born on Monday, October 30, 1950 in Paducah, Kentucky.

The players

Michael E. Castleberry

A 75-year-old retired welder from Benton, Kentucky who passed away on April 4, 2026.

Irma Jane (Boros) Castleberry

Castleberry's wife of 44 years who passed away before him.

Michael Paul Castleberry

Castleberry's son who became a professional musician in Nashville.

Judith Gupton

Castleberry's daughter.

Paula Bell

Castleberry's sister.

Sharon Thompson

Castleberry's sister.

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The takeaway

Castleberry's life was marked by his dedication to his work as a welder, his involvement in the Fairdealing Church of Christ, and his pride in watching his son achieve success as a professional musician. His passing is a loss for the Benton community that he was a part of for decades.