Jesus L. Villarreal

Jesus was born on October 12, 1932, in Cerralvo, Nuevo León, Mexico. He spent his childhood and teenage years in Mexico, where he met his first love, Socorro. They married in 1954 and soon after moved to Freeport, Texas, where they began raising their family. In 1976, he was remarried to his second wife, Genevieve G. Villarreal.

Jesus built a life rooted in hard work and dedication. He worked as a surveyor for Dunbar and Dixon, later for the City of Freeport, and eventually founded and operated Brazosport Paint and Body, which he proudly owned and maintained for 28 years, then founded Brazosport Muffler, in which his son Martin still operates today in his honor.

Family was at the center of Jesus’ life. He cherished hosting backyard barbecues, attending family gatherings, and spending time with loved ones. A lifelong man of faith, he was a devoted member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Freeport and later St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Lake Jackson.

Jesus had a deep love for baseball and was a loyal Houston Astros fan. He also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Mexico, Europe, and Israel. In his later years, he found great joy and peace visiting Troncones, Guerrero, Mexico, where he loved watching the surfers and relaxing by the beach.

Above all, Jesus treasured his family, whom he loved unconditionally. He lived his life fully and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and perseverance. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him!

Jesus is survived by his children, James A. Villarreal (Martha), Jesse M. Villarreal (Ellie), Jose A. Villarreal (Julia), Letycia Montemayor (Alex), Jorge Z. Villarreal, Martin G. Villarreal; and his stepson, Earl T. Gonzales (Corinna). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Socorro A. Villarreal (1967); his parents, Zacarias and Leonor Villarreal; his stepson, Steve Gonzales (2016); his sister, Manuela Cisneroz (2020); and his second wife, Genevieve G. Villarreal (2021).

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Dignity Memorial Funeral Home in Lake Jackson, Texas. A private family viewing will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by public visitation from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., a rosary from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and sharing memories and visiting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Lake Jackson. Burial will follow at Restwood Memorial Park. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

Pallbearers will be his children, James Villarreal, Jesse Villarreal, Anthony Villarreal, Jorge Villarreal, Martin Villarreal, and Earl Gonzales, with Letycia Montemayor serving as honorary pallbearer.

A reception for family and friends will be held following the burial at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church Family Life Center in Lake Jackson.

The Villarreal family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Luke’s Health–Texas in Lake Jackson, the caregivers of Angel’s Care Hospice, and to all who offered prayers, support, visits, and comfort during this time.

Family and friends are invited to share memories, send flowers or sympathy gifts, and view the obituary online.