Pedro Luna Villanueva Jr.

Born to Pedro and Elida (Luna) Villanueva, he grew into a hardworking and spirited man who wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves. Whether through his years in janitorial work or running his own business, he carried pride in everything he did. If something was broken, chances were he could figure it out and if he couldn’t, he’d at least make you laugh while trying.

He found joy in life’s simple, beautiful things; tending to his garden filled with watermelon, corn, and squash, caring for his chickens, and sitting under the shade of a tree; even when the Texas heat had other plans. He loved music that filled the air with rhythm and soul, and he never turned down a good movie night, especially if it involved westerns, John Wayne, Gunsmoke, Lifetime dramas, or even a few scary “Chucky” moments.

A man of faith in his early years, he was a Jehovah’s Witness who shared his love of the Bible with his children, creating lasting memories of reading scripture together and even encouraging them to stand and speak. Those moments stayed with them, rooted in love and guidance.

Known as a bit of a class clown, he had a gift for making people smile, sometimes at the most unexpected times. Even on his hardest days, he carried a sense of humor and light that lifted others. His heart was as big as his laugh, full of kindness, resilience, and an unwavering determination to keep moving forward through life’s challenges.

In the kitchen, he could make a mean pot of his menudo and beans that were made with love and just the right touch of magic. And to his daughter Sophia, he was nothing less than Superman.

He shared a special bond with all of his pets, especially his beloved cat, who adored him right back, proof that his gentle spirit reached every corner of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Josie and Janie; and his brothers, Adam, Richard, and Joe.

He leaves behind a loving family who will carry his memory forward with laughter and love: his wife, Veda Villanueva; sons, Pedro E. Villanueva Jr. (Sweetwater, TX), Victor Villanueva (Lubbock, TX), and Danny Villanueva (Denison, TX); daughters, Teresa Villanueva (San Angelo, TX) and Sophia Villanueva (Sweetwater, TX). His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Joe Martinez, Gabriel Villanueva, Anthony Carrasco, Jacob White, Anthony Kiser, Michael Kiser, Alexia Garza, Alisa Garza, and Senaida Girts and great-grandchildren, Jesse Martinez, Nadia Garza, Emma Garza, Giovannie Garza, Kima Villanueva, and a baby boy on the way.

Though he may no longer be sitting under his favorite shade tree, we imagine him now in a place where the breeze is just right, the garden is always growing, and there’s never a shortage of good stories, good food, and laughter.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.