Phoenix Castanon

Phoenix O’Ryan Castanon, 19, was born December 20, 2002 in Santa Barbara, California, the son of Daniel Dunklin and Esparanza Mata. He was taken too soon on Sunday, May 8, 2022 in West Allis, Wisconsin.

Phoenix was a charismatic, young man. He was full of love, always offered an amazing smile and a helpful hand or an ear to listen with and a shoulder to cry on.

Phoenix found himself as a cowboy in Eagar, Arizona. He rode bulls with the Arizona Rodeo Mafia and learned from many legends. He joined the Navy in July 2020 and left for boot camp in November 2020. His goal was to retire after 20 years, buy a ranch and raise livestock. He was a true cowboy.

He is survived by his parents, Daniel and Tiata Nez-Dunklin, Esparanza and Philip Mata, fraternal grandparents, James and Patsy Dunklin, maternal grandparents, Javier Castanon, Lorraine Matthews and Carol Nez and siblings, Isabelle Dunklin, Zac Dunklin, Siara Mata and Dakota Mata.

Phoenix was preceded in death by his sister, Claudia Limas, grandfather, Rey Nez, great grandparents, Tom and Opal Boydstum and Wilfred Daniel Dunklin.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Momentum Life Church, Springerville, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow the services at the Eagar Cemetery, with military honors.

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