Leo Castles
Leo George Castles ,better know to most as Hoe, was born in Charleville QLD on 25th April 1953. He spent his early years in Cheepie with his parents. Leo wasn’t particularly interested in school and would always jump on the train to return home, no matter where he was sent.
His Uncle, Albert Lyons, had trucks that carted wool to the rail and to Brisbane. Leo worked with him for some time until he moved to Charleville to work for Brooks Bros in 1969. During this time, Leo married local Charleville girl Clare Jaeger. He was with Brooks Bros until 1974, when he moved to Tambo to work for Johnson Bros. There, he was frequently seen on the roads between Sydney, Brisbane and Darwin, carting freight, or on the little less travelled tracks, carting sheep, cattle, goats or heavy machinery. Leo was a great operator and a great mate. He remained in Tambo with Johnson Bros until setting up his own transport company, L.G. & C.L. Castles, and moved back to Charleville in 1978.
During this time Leo and Clare started their own little family and had 4 boys. The boys have followed their own paths in life, with one of them completing an apprenticeship with Mack Trucks.
Leo’s love for the V8 Mack Superliner had him owning and operating three within his own business, employing locals to drive and cart cattle, sheep, goats & general freight. He worked closely and in conjunction with other local transport operators throughout his time in business. He was easily recognisable in his “work uniform” of blue shorts & his blue work shirts with the sleeves cut off. He was devoted to his Mack Super Liners until his decision to retire in 2014.
After retirement, Leo purchased a cattle property near Wyandra and ran some drought master crosses for a few years before selling up and moving to full retirement in 2021. He still misses the social life of the road but not so much the long hours spent modern day droving those precious animals he loved so much.
Leo now enjoys visiting mates and attending field days when he can get to them, or simply relaxing with family in Charleville.
Inducted in 2024
