Casteel Family Genealogy & History

Jordan Casteel, born in 1989, is a renowned American figurative painter known for her vibrant portraits often depicting friends, family, and residents of Harlem, New York. Her work, characterized by a bold use of color and exploration of themes like identity and humanity, has been showcased in esteemed exhibitions, including a solo show at the New Museum in NYC in 2020. Casteel's artistic achievements have earned her critical acclaim, including a 2021 MacArthur Fellowship, and her paintings are featured in collections such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Casteel is the daughter of Lauren Young Casteel and Charles Casteel. She is named after Vernon E. Jordan Jr., who succeeded her grandfather Whitney Young at the National Urban League. Her grandmother, Margaret Buckner Young, was an educator and children's-book author.

Joshua Casteel (1979–2012) was a multifaceted individual known for his roles as a United States Army interrogator, conscientious objector, playwright, and divinity student. After enlisting in 2002, he served at Abu Ghraib prison, conducting over 130 interrogations. His spiritual crisis following an interrogation led to his honorable discharge as a conscientious objector in 2005. Casteel was actively involved in the anti-war movement and became a prominent public speaker on religious and political issues. His writings, including "Letters from Abu Ghraib," provide insights into his experiences and theological struggles. Casteel's work was recognized on stages worldwide, including performances alongside notable figures like Vaclav Havel and Harold Pinter.

Joshua Casteel was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, within a Christian evangelical family. His early life was marked by political engagement, attending Iowa caucus events at age seven and later becoming president of a Young Republicans chapter during high school.

Jeffrey Allen Casteel, born February 1, 1962, is a distinguished American football coach known for his defensive acumen. He has held prominent roles, including the defensive coordinator for the Nevada Wolf Pack and West Virginia University, where he achieved national recognition. Casteel's career highlights include guiding West Virginia’s defense to top national rankings and earning the title of Defensive Coordinator of the Year by Rivals.com. His coaching journey spans multiple universities, including Arizona and UTEP, showcasing his expertise in defensive strategy and player development.

Casteel was raised in Paden City, West Virginia, where he was a standout player in high school, contributing to his team's state championship victory. He and his wife, Rosemary, have two children, Jake and Sarah.

Ryan Alexander Casteel, an American former professional baseball catcher, had a diverse career within the Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, and Seattle Mariners organizations. His notable achievements include being named the California League's Catcher of the Year and winning the Helms Award as the Australian Baseball League's Most Valuable Player. Casteel was recognized as an All-Star multiple times across various leagues. He had a significant impact with teams like the Lancaster Barnstormers, where he was named Player of the Year in 2018.