Domingo E. Castardo

Domingo “Sunday” E. Castardo, age 83, of Topeka, KS, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 12, 2025. While his departure leaves a deep void in our hearts, we take comfort in knowing he is now joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Angela “Cookie” Castardo, whom he cherished dearly throughout their 52 years of marriage.

Born in Topeka on November 7, 1941, to Enes and Carmen (Guerrero) Castardo, Domingo lived a life marked by loyalty, service, and love. A proud graduate of Topeka High School, he began working as a teenager at Harold’s Prize Package, a place that always held fond memories for him. In 1963, he answered the call to serve his country and embarked on a nearly 30-year career in the United States Army. Rising to the rank of First Sergeant, Sunday earned countless medals, badges, and honors, always wearing his title with pride. After retirement, he continued serving his community through his work with USD #501.

A man of steadfast faith, Domingo was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where he and Cookie taught CCD classes, served as an usher, attended church functions, and you could always find him faithfully occupying his special spot in the pew. He was a leader, mentor, and example to many through his involvement with the Knights of Columbus, DAV Chapter 3, serving as faithful navigator and involved in other organizations.

Domingo's joy radiated through his love of sports and his unwavering support for his Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and especially his Kansas Jayhawks. Whether cheering on local high school teams, coaching, or attending his grandsons’ games, he brought a spirit of encouragement and pride everywhere he went.

Above all, Domingo will be remembered for his kindness, friendship, loyal heart, and the way he made everyone feel like family. He loved deeply, was never afraid to speak his mind honestly, and was a true friend to all who knew him. To know him was to be blessed by his friendship, and to lose him leaves a void that words can hardly fill. He especially treasured his friendships at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, where he would often stop by just to visit, share a story or meal, or brighten our day with his presence. Those simple visits meant so much, and his absence will be felt in every Prize Package cheeseburger, every smile, and every memory shared. Though our hearts ache with the loss, we hold close the comfort of his legacy, a life lived with kindness, faith, and unwavering love.

We will miss Domingo forever, but we rejoice in knowing he is home with Cookie, the love of his life, and that his legacy of faith, service, and love lives on in the many lives he touched.

Survivors include his daughter, Cathy Campion; three grandsons, Garet Campion (Jazmin Peek), Caden Campion (Madison Filippini), Chasyn Campion (Channy Moreno); as well as his cherished great granddaughter, Keziah Campion. With the loss of his wife, Sunday found purpose and joy with the adoption of his boxer puppy, Ruby. They both enjoyed car rides, sharing meals and doggy bags full of food from a local buffet. Other survivors include his four sisters, Carmen Flowers, Rosalie Garcia, Patricia Stanley (Stanley), Maggie Castardo; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends that are considered family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, “Cookie;” two brothers, John Guerrero and Joe Castardo; and sister, Mary Ellen Valdivia.

He will lie in state from 5-8:00 P.M., on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with an Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus - Nate Morales Council 11777 and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus - San Juan Diego Council 3452 Rosary and Chalice Ceremony at 7:00 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., on Thursday, September 25, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial with full military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery-Topeka. The family kindly requests that you wear your favorite KC Chiefs, KC Royals, KU Jayhawks, or military branch attire for all services in memory of Sunday's love of sports and his military career.

Memorial contributions can be made in Sunday's memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or to Helping Hands Humane Society. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

We invite you to share memories, offer condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.