It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dr. Jose Luis Castañeda, MD — known and loved by many as “Dr. C” — who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on May 8, 2026. He was 75 years old.
Dr. C dedicated over 50 years to caring for children and families across Texas. He served patients at our Luling, Seguin, and Victoria health centers, caring for children from birth through adulthood. He brought a warmth to every appointment that families never forgot.
About Dr. C
Born on October 25, 1950, in Matamoros, Mexico, Dr. Castañeda earned his medical degree in 1974 from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. He completed his pediatric residency at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Over a career that spanned more than five decades, he served communities in Brownsville, Hebbronville, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Seguin, Luling, Lockhart, and Victoria, Texas — as well as Youngstown, Ohio, and Mexico City. He was fluent in both English and Spanish, and he made it his mission to ensure every family felt heard and cared for, regardless of their background or circumstances.
He joined the CHCSCT team and, as our CEO Rafael De La Paz put it, it felt like he had been a part of our family forever. His unparalleled standard of care inspired members of our team every day, as well as patients who later brought their own children, and grandchildren, to seek care.
In His Own Words
“Working for this community as a Medical Doctor in Pediatrics is important because there is a great need at all levels. I see patients that travel long distances to get our medical assistance because we are the only providers for their special needs. We are here to help, give personalized care, and make patients feel cared for.” — Dr. C
A Life Fully Lived
Medicine was only one part of who Dr. Castañeda was. Dr. C was a licensed pilot, an award-winning photographer, a classical pianist, and a competitive pool player. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus and a man of deep Catholic faith. He was known for his contagious dance moves, his endless curiosity, and his ability to bring joy into any room he walked into.
Above all, he was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Diana M. Castañeda; his five children, Adrianna (Dean) Fields, Charlotte (Justin) Hintz, Alexandar (Valerie) Castañeda, Marco Antonio (Valentina) Castañeda, and Jose Luis Castañeda Jr. (“Pepe”); and his six grandchildren, Isabella, Wesley, Evan, Connor, Christina, and Carissa.
Memories From Our Team
Dr. Castaneda was truly one of a kind. He had this way of making everyone feel seen and special. He was always dressed sharp, usually with one of his bow ties, and always had that big smile on his face. He became part of our CHCSCT family so quickly, and it felt like he had been with us much longer than he had. Patients loved him, families trusted him, and staff enjoyed being around him.
He was a great pediatrician, but more than that, he was just a kind, sweet, and genuine person. One memory I will always carry with me is running a 5K with him. I thought I was doing alright until he left me in the dust. That was Dr. Castaneda, full of life, full of joy, and always moving forward with that same smile.
We were blessed to have him as part of our organization and our communities. He will be deeply missed.
— Rafael De La Paz, CEO
Every time I saw Dr. C in the office, he was always smiling and happy. If he was sitting, he would stand up to shake my hand, with respect and you could feel it. We would tell each other, like a family, “Te quiero” when saying goodbye and he would say “cuidate mucho, mi Juanito”.. We will miss you Dr. C.
— Juan Soto, Director of Physical Plant
Dr. C, too many memories shared. It was an honor working with you, I will cherish every moment. Thank you for all the knowledge and life stories you shared. You will always be remembered. “One apple a day keeps the Doctor away!”— Dulce Reyna, MA
Dr. Castaneda was an extremely friendly man to everybody. He spoke with all people with dignity and respect. He truly cared about others and would ask about each of our families often. I enjoyed working with him at CHCSCT. He loved to listen to old disco, rock music in the office and reminisce about his dancing days when he was younger. From reading the outpour of condolences from others, I can see he will truly be missed by family, friends and patients. Fly high, Dr. C, you have put in your work! — Angela Davis, MSN, APRN, CPNP
What He Meant to Our Patients
My heartfelt condolences to the Castañeda family. Dr. Castañeda was not only my favorite pediatrician, but also the compassionate doctor who cared for my children and someone I had the privilege of interning alongside. He was truly a beautiful soul whose kindness and warmth touched so many lives. I will always cherish the fond memories I have of him. — Patty Saco
Dr. Castañeda was our family doctor for years and then to our grandchildren too. He was such a kind hearted man and will be truly missed. — Maria Rita Benavides
My heart is truly saddened by this loss, Dr. Castañeda was an exceptional pediatrician and an even greater human being whose kindness, humility, and compassion left a lasting impact on so many families, including my own. From caring for me as a child to later caring for my daughters, he always treated us with the utmost respect and dedication. His legacy and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. — Karen Garza
Thank You Dr. C
Dr. Castañeda’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched as a physician, mentor, and friend. We are grateful for every family he welcomed through our doors, and for the standard of care and compassion he set for all of us. Rest well, Dr. C.
Share Your Memories with Dr. C’s Family
Did Dr. C care for your family? We’d love for you to share your memories. Visit his memorial page to leave a note, share a story, or upload a photo for the Castañeda family.
