Leonel Castillo
About Leonel Castillo
Leonel Jabier Castillo (1939–2013) was a pioneering activist and community leader in Houston, Texas. Born on June 9, 1939, in Victoria, Texas, he became the first Mexican American elected to citywide office in Houston and the first Hispanic commissioner of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. Castillo attended Kirwin High School in Galveston, where he excelled academically and in football, earning the nickname "Lone." He later studied English at St. Mary’s University and was deeply involved in student government and civil liberties activism. After college, Castillo joined the Peace Corps, serving in the Philippines, where he met and married Evelyn Chapman.
In 1970, Castillo gained prominence for his leadership in the Mexican American Education Council (MAEC), advocating for school integration in Houston. He later transitioned to politics, surprising many by successfully running for Houston city controller, a position he held for three terms. Castillo received numerous accolades during his lifetime, including honorary degrees and having facilities named after him in Houston. He passed away on November 4, 2013, leaving a lasting legacy in civil rights and public service.