Ray Villar

A native and resident of Gonzales, he passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the age of 79. Ray loved his family unconditionally and thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren. He was a longtime LSU football season ticket holder priding himself on never leaving a game early. He was a practical joker and went to great lengths to pull off his pranks and catch you by surprise. He is survived by his wife, Connie Silvis Villar, a son and daughter in law, Tyler and Mary Villar, two daughters and two sons in law, Lyn and David Odom, Mandy and John Stafford, two stepdaughters and stepsons in law, Shelley and Pete Rodriguez and Holly and Jason Moran: stepson and step daughter in law, Scott and Erin VanKeuren: sister, Gladys "Peanie" Babin and husband, G.P. Babin: nine grandchildren, Jessica and Jonathan Ickles, Jacquelyn Odom, Rebekah and Bradley Bryan, Keely Villar, and Emma, Ali, and Elise Stafford; six step-grandchildren, Justin and Jared Rodriguez, Bayli, Lilli, and Kendyll Moran, and Ava VanKeuren, and three great grandchildren, Caleb, Isaac, and Abram Ickles. Preceded in death by his wife, Jacquelyn "Jackie" King Villar, a son, Mitchell Villar, grandson, Drew Villar; two sisters, Eula Mae Keller and Lura Babin; his parents Roy and Flossie Ficklin Villar. He was a retired electrical contractor and co-owner of Louisiana Electric Co. He joined the La National Guard in Donaldsonville in 1949 prior to graduating from Gonzales High School in 1951. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1958 and served four years as Commander of the 769th Engineering Batallion, headquartered in Baton Rouge. He attended LSU and was a graduate of Baton Rouge Vocational Technical School in 1961 and Command and General Staff College in 1974 before retiring from the military as Lieutenant Colonel in 1981 after 32 years of service. Ray was active and involved in numerous career-related and civic organizations. He served as an Alderman for the City of Gonzales from 1968-1972, president of the Gonzales Country Club and Electrical Sub-Contractors Association. In addition, he was a member of the Local Union 995 IBEW, Gonzales Planning and Zoning Commission, the Baton Rouge Electrical Board, and served as chairman of the Gonzales Electrical Board, Louisiana Sub-Contractors Legislative Action Council, and the Chairman of City of Gonzales Electrical Board. A visitation will be held at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, on Monday, August 27 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Visiting will resume at Ascension Baptist Church on Tuesday from 9 am until religious service at 11 am, Rev. Keith Cryder, officiating. Burial to follow in Hope Haven Memorial Gardens, Gonzales. Pallbearers will be John Stafford, David Odom, Jonathan Ickles, Bradley Bryant, Scott Van Keuren, and Don Keller. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com.