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On Friday, March 10th, 2023, Eugene Solar Villarreal Jr. passed away and reunited with his wife, Tomasa. They will get to celebrate their heavenly 72nd wedding anniversary together. At 93 years old, he lived a full life as a son, brother, husband, father of 5, grandfather of 9, great grandfather of 16, and great great grandfather of 3. Born to Eugenio and Maria on February 12th, 1930, in San Antonio, TX, he is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arturo and John Villarreal, sister Dora Orta, and first-born grandson Daniel J. Martinez. He’s survived by his brother Henry Villarreal, and sister Dr. Irene Stewart. He is also survived by his 5 children, Richard Villarreal, Mary Esther Green, Eugene “Geno” Villarreal III, Debra Cote, and Albert Villarreal. They would all agree that their Dad was the most hardworking man who showed up for the life moments that counted, never met a dance floor that he didn’t take his daughters and wife out on, and never said no to a fishing trip with his sons. All 5 kids witnessed how he softened up as each grandchild was born, and it was a joy to see that side of him over the years. Eugene graduated from Lanier High School on the Westside of San Antonio, TX. Served in the United States Army (CPL U.S.A.), served in Korea, worked at Kelly Air Force Base for over 40+ years in the automotive transportation department and retired from there. He was a 4th degree Knight in the St. Leonard’s Knights of Columbus, was a founding member of the church, and volunteered countless hours to the church through charity work and more. You could find him at every festival laughing it up, beer in hand, dancing with his wife, and working hard from beginning to end. He was a very loved and respected father-in-law, he didn’t say much when a new person would get married into the family, but he welcomed his son and daughter in-laws into the family as his own with a handshake or a hug. He was cherished and doted on by Mary Villarreal, Michael Sanchez, Nelda Villarreal, and Anthony “TC” Cote (his Western movie watching buddy). His grandchildren would tell you that he was funny, silly, chiflado, and on the ball when it came to their safety. He’d let them put banana stickers on his forehead, barrettes in his hair (when he had hair), and there was always a place of safety and love sitting on his lap while he listened to everything you had to say and then he’d hug you. He danced and fished with all his grandchildren, he’d give you his opinion when asked, and never turned down a sweet treat and a chance to watch a western movie with any of his grandkids. All of his grandchildren will miss hearing him say, “I love you too meja/mejo. Take care of yourself, okay.” Eugene’s greatest accomplishment and gift in life was his 71-year marriage to his wife Tomasa. They passed within 43 days of each other. Eugene and Tomasa lived, laughed, loved, and then left together. He will be greatly missed, but there’s a sense of peace knowing he’s back with the love of his life while they sit in their lawn chairs and watch over the family. Visitation for the public will be held at Palm Heights Mortuary on Tuesday March 21st, 2023, from 4:00pm-8:00pm, and the Holy Rosary to begin at 6:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday March 22nd, 2023, at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church at 9:00am, followed by interment at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. PALM HEIGHTS MORTUARY 3711 S. ZARZAMORA STREET SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78225 210-924-4568

Tributes

Eugene Solar Villarreal

February 12, 1930 - March 10, 2023