Arthur Castro Palomo

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Arthur C. Palomo – who passed away peacefully at his home on September 18th, surrounded by his family in profound love and prayers. He was 92 years old.

Arthur was born September 3, 1929 in Bakersfield, California at the start of the Great Depression. Raised in Shafter, he was a member of a prominent pioneer Hispanic family. He attended and excelled throughout his elementary and high school years, where he joined FFA and was involved in sports. Well known for his athletic agility and prowess on the field, he was often captured by the local Shafter Press for his many exciting performances. Arthur graduated from the Shafter High Class of 1948. At that time he also joined the Mexican-American baseball league of Kern County, playing for the illustrious team known as the “Eagles”, where he soon became the “star pitcher” of the team. He gained much recognition and earned quite a following, with countless stories told of his incredible pitching talents and baseball feats, including the time he pitched a no-hitter and struck out 22 players of the opposing team.

In the following years, Arthur was called to war, to serve in Korea. He was very proud of his military service from 1951 to 1953 -- with the 24th Infantry Division 5th RCT where he served as a Medic.

He later met the love of his life, Miss Lupe Gaeta whom he married on March 3, 1957. Their wedding was held at the St. Therese Catholic church that he and his family among others helped to establish in their community; with their reception being the first to be held at the Shafter Veterans Hall. The wedding of this beautiful couple was featured in both the Shafter Press and Bakersfield Californian as captured on that day.

Not long into the start of his family he began his career with the Southern California Gas Company, providing his knowledge and expertise as “Field Planner” up until his retirement in 1991 with 30 years of service.

We were always amazed by his incredible knowledge and astute memory -- as he could tell you: who, what, where and when, far before the internet. He was an avid reader of books on war, cultures, history, medical, mechanical and political sciences; geography, theology, and apologetics just to name a few.

He was a true historian and an amazing storyteller, with a keen sense of humor. With ninety-two years worth of stories to tell, from those he lived to those that were passed down -- we were often riveted, amazed, astonished or moved by the telling of his stories, with others that brought the laughter.

Dad was a man of many gifts: to know him was to love him. He had such charisma and the great gift of gab. He made many friends throughout his life, from those of his childhood to old; his buddies from the military and work, he relished them all.

Dad was truly a humble soul and an extremely hardworking man with a great compassion for others. He was skilled in carpentry, welding, mechanics, and could pretty much “fix” anything he set his sights on. Generosity was another of his great attributes demonstrated by his quickness to lend a helping hand. He did not hesitate when it came to giving of his time and tools or wallet, especially if it meant helping the church, someone in need, or those less fortunate.

His true joy was spending time with his family, his loving wife of 64 years; their sons, daughters, sons-in laws, grandchildren and greats – all of whom he loved so deeply and was so very proud of.

He truly relished the times spent with one, a few, or all of us – enjoying the barbecues, countless dinners and celebrations; travel, family reunions and vacations to the beach, mountains and snow.

In October of 2018, he also had the great privilege of going on the "Honor Flight" of Kern County with his grandson Brandon, who accompanied him to see the United States memorials in Washington, D.C. where he was one of the two men who were bestowed the honor of placing the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Whether he was building or fixing something; giving lawn mower tractor rides to his grandchildren; drawing a new map, helping with homework, carving a pumpkin or singing to his great grandchildren, it was always a beautiful moment to capture. Other poignant memories will always include our regular gatherings as a family in prayer, and for the recitation of the rosary -- which he often led.

Our hearts are truly broken, we loved him beyond words. He was the solid rock and safety net of our family, and we will always give our thanks to God for the time he was ours to love and cherish. Until we see you again, we love you forever.

”May the perpetual light shine upon him.”

Preceded in death by his beloved son, Ronald James Palomo. Parents: Fructuoso and Carmen Palomo; Siblings: Maria del Carmen, John, Joe, Rudy , Alfred Palomo; Sarah Carrasco and Phyllis Nunez.

He is survived by his wife, Lupe G. Palomo, son, Dominic Palomo; daughters/(spouses): Cynthia (Tony) Rodriguez, Sharon (Art) Martinez, Susan (Joe) Guerrero, Melissa (Arnold) Quintanilla. Grandchildren: Jenna Martinez (Ty) Grove; Natalie Guerrero & fiancée Ruben Gutierrez, Dana Martinez, Brandon Guerrero, Paige, Melanie, and Emily Quintanilla. Great-grandchildren: Ilia & Callum Grove; and siblings: Ofelia Martinez, Sal Palomo, Carmen Beadle and Irene Borjon.

Rosary & Funeral to be held at: St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 12300 Reina Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93312, on the day of the Feast of Our Lady of The Rosary, Thursday October 7, 2021. Rosary: 9:30 am / Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 am Interment @ 11:30 am at the Shafter Memorial Park & Cemetery.