John Whitcomb Castle, 92, passed away at home on May 5, 2026.  He was born in Chicago June 1,1933 to Judge Latham Castle and Georgiana (née Whitcomb) Castle.

John was raised in Sandwich, IL, and educated at Phillips Academy, Andover (MA), Princeton University, and University of Chicago Law. He began his legal career in Chicago. Later he moved his family back to his roots in DeKalb County where he opened a law office. John started a local newspaper that ultimately became Castle PrinTech and served on many non-profit boards. He was the first elected Chairman of the DeKalb County Board and served as Director of the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in Illinois Governor Jim Thompson’s administration.

John was an Eagle Scout, a U.S. Army veteran, and a lifelong Cubs fan.

John was perhaps best known as the CEO of Castle Bank, started by his great grandfather in 1856. In 1985 he became a full time banker and led the bank through many expansion moves that saw it grow from one small community bank to a 13 branch regional banking group that is now part of the First National Bank of Omaha.

John was loved by family and friends, and is survived by his wife Nancy M (née Ford) Castle, children John (Nicole) Castle (Compton, IL), Amy (Douglas) Haynes (Asheville, NC), and David Castle (DeKalb, IL). Also by grandchildren Marie Michelle (Carson) King, Abigail (Isaac) Bell; Rachel, Rebekah, Caleb, Joshua and Jonadav Castle and Alexi and Eli Haynes; two great grandchildren and Nancy D Castle.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Harry.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Barsema Alumni and Visitation Center, NIU Campus, 231 N Annie Glidden Road,  DeKalb.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.