Camilo B. Villegas

Camilo Joe “C.J.” Villegas, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2007. A life long resident of Austin, C.J. attended public schools, but due to his father’s untimely death, he was forced to take on the duties of providing for his mother and siblings. Throughout his early years, C.J. began his provisional career by becoming a mechanics helper, and with years of hard work and consistent dedication, he achieved the status of master mechanic. For fifteen years, underneath this title, he was employed by Charles Maund Cadillac. In 1970, his hard work and dedication had been recognized by his father-in-law, Tony Villasana Sr., who brought him into the family owned business of “Tony’s Tortilla Factory”. There, he was immediately cast into the role as head of operations for the central Texas location. In 1985, an idea came forth from the combined efforts of C.J. and his two eldest sons, Tony and Lawrence, to begin their “Tex-Mex” restaurant, El Mercado. C.J. could be found greeting hungry customers at their primary location, located on South First, where he spent the next twenty-two years of his life working alongside his sons to create a thriving company that branched off into three other successful locations. C.J. was an accomplished drummer who played with numerous Jazz, Tejano and Country bands, making life long friends with a long list of musicians and their families. He shared this love for music with his sons, who are performing musicians themselves. Being the cornerstone not only for his business but also for his music and his family, he never missed a beat when it came to guiding and loving them. . A beloved husband, father and grandfather, C.J. is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gudelia Villasana Villegas of Austin, daughters, Barbara Villegas Diaz of Houston and husband Francisco; Marilyn Villegas Rangel of Austin and husband Robert; sons, Lawrence Camilo Villegas of Austin; Tony Villegas of Austin; Michael Villegas of Austin; grandchildren, Maricela Diaz Pina; Francisco V. Diaz; Robert V. Rangel; Vincent V. Rangel; Vanessa Ann Villegas; and great grandson, Rafael Diaz Pina. C.J. is also survived by his loving sisters, Simona Villegas Huerta and Carmen Villegas Besa, and his loyal pet and companion “Bo”. He will be greatly missed and his family wishes to thank all his friends for understanding the need to grieve in private.