He attended and graduated from Brownsville High School where he was known for and honored as one of the fastest runners in the Valley in the 1950's. He was named to the Texas Sports Writers Association All-State team and earned All-American honors. He was also named to the Valley Freedom Newspapers' All Millennium team that was announced in 1999. After Graduation, he attended and pursued Mechanical Engineering for 3 years at Texas A&M. During his time at A&M he spent years convincing the love of his life Evangelina Gomez to be become his "life companion" as written in love letters recently found. He married Evangelina "Chickie" Gomez on Jan 13, 1957 and were married for 64 years. They had two children Antonio A. Villarreal and Magda Leticia Villarreal Sauceda. Although he did not complete his college degree, he worked hard to ensure his children would complete college and become successful. His work ethic was like none other and instilled in us to always work hard and be honest. He spent the rest of his life working hard to provide a good and honest life for himself and his family. He went wherever job opportunities were available which included relocation to Chicago, Illinois for 10 years. His passion was his family and cars. He LOVED old cars and was blessed with the knowledge of restoring cars. Anyone who knew dad, knew that he was a joyful and generous man who lived life to its fullest. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather and our family will forever have a void in our lives but we know he is now with our beloved mother for eternity.
He is preceded in death by his wife Evangelina Villarreal, father Antonio Villarreal, mother Elisa Barreda.
He is survived by his children Magda Sauceda(Noe) , Antonio Villarreal Jr(Arlene), grandchildren Dr Anthony C Villarreal(Lynette), Stephanie M Sauceda, Jessica N Alvarez(Nicholas), Jacqueline D Leo(Ruben), and brother Carlos Villareal.
He is also survived by 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 10am to 9pm with a chapel service at 11am and a rosary at 7pm. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, 125 McDavitt Blvd., Brownsville, TX., 956-541-5400, Dignity Memorial Provider.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelbuenavista.com for the Villarreal family.
