Merardo L. Villarreal passed away Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the age of 78. He was born November 16, 1937 to Jacobo and Elvira Leal Villarreal in the town of Encino, Texas. Merardo worked for the petroleum industry and was also a lifetime farmer and rancher. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elma Lydia Saenz Villarreal; a brother, Hermilo Villarreal and two sisters, Elena Villarreal and Jovita Rodriguez. He is survived by Graciela Fernandez; son, Merardo Villarreal, Jr. of Encino-Houston,Texas, three daughters Gilda Ann (Hector) Gutierrez of Encino, Texas, Dilia S. Villarreal of La Gloria, Texas and Elvira Villarreal of Encino-Houston, Texas; brother, Mario Villarreal of Encino, Texas; three sisters, Juanita Fitz of Corpus Christi, Texas, Isabel Juarez of San Isidro, Texas and Ercilia Lopez of Mercedes, Texas. Also surviving are his three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. Monday, May 9, 2016 with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m. at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at St. Ann's Catholic Church of Encino, Texas. Burial will follow at the Saenz Family Cemetery in La Gloria, Texas.
