Jose Villareal

Surrounded by his loving friends and family, Mr. Jose H. Villarreal went to be with the Lord in his heavenly kingdom, on Monday, June 4th 2012 at the age of 84 in Laredo, Texas.

Serving under a different branch of service each time, Jose Villarreal was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. The St. Augustine High School graduate joined the Navy in 1944, after his mother signed a waiver allowing him to enlist at the young age of 17. He served as a gunner in the Pacific arena during World War II before returning home in 1946 to attend college. After earning a degree in business administration, he once again volunteered to serve his country and joined the Army 1949. His unit deployed to Korea that same year. During the Korean War, Mr. Villarreal served directly under the leadership of General MacArthur as one of his personal aides.-

In 1952, Villarreal returned home from Korea and quickly transferred to the Air Force where he retired in May of 1966 and settled with his family in Laredo, Texas (his hometown).

From the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast, Hawaii, Europe and Scotland, Mr. Villarreal dotted the globe with his family as he honorably served his nation. Friends would often inquire about souvenirs, asking to see what items they brought back from their travels. Both Mr. and Mrs. Villarreal would proudly state that their children were the only souvenirs they needed. Traveling the world was a life goal for Mr. Villarreal and he along with his wife, Evangelina M. Vasquez-Villarreal (deceased), they had the opportunity to fulfill that dream and experience different cultures.

Mr. Villarreal was a member of American Legion Post 59 in Laredo, Texas and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8132 in San Antonio, Texas. He will be buried with full Military Honors.

Mr. Villarreal is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Maria E. Villarreal; his parents, Julio & Braulia Villarreal; and brothers, Salvador Stein and Felix Stein.

He is survived by his brother, Raul Villarreal of San Antonio, TX; his children, Jose A. Villarreal of San Antonio, TX, Janie (Ricardo) Gonzalez of Laredo, TX, Peter J. Villarreal of San Antonio, TX, Kim M. (Jose Luis) Salinas of Laredo, TX, Norma V. (Simon) Arriaga of Laredo, TX, Donna L. Villarreal of San Antonio, TX, and James H. Villarreal of Laredo, TX.

Furthermore, he is survived by his grandchildren: Joey Villarreal, Darrius Villarreal, Ricardo (Andy) Gonzalez, Nicholas Gonzalez, Jose Luis Salinas II, Sara E. Salinas, Michael Salinas, Ulysses Salinas, James H. Villarreal, Jr., Nolan Arriaga, Kevin J. Villarreal and Kayla June Villarreal in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers donations to be made to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 76, Attn: Commander Rodela, 719 E. Eistetter St., Laredo, TX 78041-5053.

Pallbearers will be: Ricardo (Andy) Gonzalez, Nicholas Gonzalez, Jose Luis Salinas, Michael Salinas, Ulysses Salinas, James H. Villarreal Jr., and Nolan Arriaga.

Honorary Pallbearer will be: Kevin J. Villarreal.

The family would like to express their most sincere gratitude to Mr. Simon Arriaga, Nurse on Wheels and Dr. Luis M. Benavides for their special attention to Mr. Villarreal.