Born in Washington D.C. on June 1, 1929, to Gustave Villaret, Jr. and Frances Fenwick (Griffin) Villaret, he moved many times with his family as his father was a career military officer. He followed in his father’s footsteps and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1951. He was assigned to the 547th Armored Field Artillery Battalion at Camp Carson, Colorado where he met Miss JoAnn Olson. They later married at the Fort Myer Chapel in Virginia on February 12, 1952.
Shortly thereafter, Gus was sent to fight in the Korean war where he served with the 8th Field Artillery Battalion. During the Vietnam war, he served as an advisor to the South Vietnamese 36th Field Artillery Battalion. Later, during a second tour of duty in Vietnam, he performed duties as the Deputy Director of the Advisory Team to the Vietnamese National Training Center at Chi Lang, South Vietnam in the IV Corps area. He served as the assistant Military Attaché at the American Embassy in Paris, France from 1969 to 1972.
LTC Villaret retired from the United States Army in July of 1979 after 28 years of military service. After retiring, he continued to support and serve his Alma Mater in various capacities in the West Point Society of El Paso, including a role as the president. He enjoyed golfing and was an avid reader.
Gus is survived by his sister, Frances Marie (Villaret) Clark, his four children (Gustave Villaret IV, Gregory Villaret, Marguerite (Villaret) Dean, and Douglas Villaret), 14 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife JoAnn.
Visitation for Gus will be on Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a vigil at 7:00 PM, at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas 79903. Scripture service will be on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 1:00 PM, at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas 79903, with a Committal service to follow at 2:30 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso, Texas 79906.
