Victor Garcia Villarreal, Sr.

Victor G. Villarreal, Sr., age 82 of Austin, died Sunday, March 31, 2013. Victor was a landscaper and owned Villarreal Landscaping and Rockwork. Victor did not receive a formal education and was self-taught in his profession.

Victor started his employment at age 17 as a foreman at the Elgin-Butler Brick Company. He later worked as a cowboy, working at the Josey and Shields Ranch before Lakeway was even a dream. He later worked for the Lakeway Golf Course for many years. In 1979, Victor started his own landscaping business, Villarreal Landscaping and Rockwork. Victor built many of the retaining rock walls, sidewalks as well as landscaped many homes in the Lakeway and Lake Travis areas. Victor retired and moved to South Austin.

Victor loved hunting, fishing and working outside. Always outside. He very much loved all his grandchildren and would always talk about them.

Victor enjoyed his time outside working in the yard and doing woodwork. He loved to make cedar post lamps. He also had a pet cat named, Kiki who followed him around everywhere he went. Kiki even knew when Victor was praying as he would lay silently as Victor prayed. Once Kiki heard "AMEN" he would then move. He was very loving to Victor and he knew when it was time for Victor to go. Kiki caressed him and just loved him before he left to Christopher House. Kiki will miss him a lot.

Victor's pride, joy and greatest love was Emmaus Catholic Church. He was so proud of Emmaus Church and its staff and was loved by everyone and he loved them back. Special thanks and love to Emmaus Catholic Church for their support and kindness.

Victor is preceded in death by his first wife, Manual Gaitan; daughter, Carmen V. Zivley and stepson, Darel Brad Gonzalez.

Victor is survived by his wife of 33 years, Yolanda DeLeon; three sons, Victor Villarreal, Jr. (Ana); Ernesto Villarreal and Adam Villarreal; four daughters, E.L., R.A., Ana Jolly and V.N.;17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; his stepchildren, John Paul Hipolito (Melinda) and Katherine Hipolito. He is also survived by his siblings, Zaragosa, Sidney, Felipe and Guadalupe, Jr. Villarreal; his sisters, Lucy Vasquez, Pauline Perez (Ignacio), Judy Alsocer and Mary Villarreal.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home Chapel with a vigil service to follow at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2013 at Emmaus Catholic Church, 1718 Lohmans Crossing in Lakeway, Texas. Interment will follow at Teck Cemetery.

The family would like to give special recognition to Abel Aranda a very devoted and loyal friend of Victor to the end. Abel was always there offering a helping hand, he was like an adopted son to Victor.

Special thanks to Austin Hospice staff, his nurse, Stacy and CNA Alma. All the people at Christopher House for their compassion and loving care of Victor. These people are angels and the work they do for Austin Hospice is very much appreciated. Thank you soo much!

Victor will be missed by many people. However, he is now home with the Lord and family members who passed before him.

He worked all his life to the very end, may my husband, Victor G. Villarreal, Sr. rest in peace.