He was born February 4, 1936 to Alvaro & Feliza Villanueva in New Braunfels, TX.
Gilbert “Beto” married the love of his life, Oralia Ortiz Villanueva April 30, 1956 and have been married 62 years. They are blessed with 7 children, 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren.
His surviving children are Sammy & wife Tommie, David, Steve & wife Kim, Judy, and Abel (Bubba).
He is preceded in death by Gilbert Jr. , Paul and (infant) Ricky.
He has 3 brothers, Edward & wife Evangelina, Ruben & wife Anna, Sonny & wife Donna and 4 sisters Angelita & Bernardo Cantu, both deceased, Carmen Enriquez & Santos Jr. (deceased), Connie & Leonardo Monreal (deceased) and Juanita & Claudio Alvarez and numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends and acquaintances
Being a man of many skills, Gilbert worked for Evans & Black Carpet in 1965-1975 transferred to Dalton, Ga and returned to Dallas, Tx where he now resides. He owned a battery shop before retiring from Dresser Industries after 10 years of service.
He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 38 yrs. and is a 4th Degree Member He was recently greatly honored as he was named “Knight of The Year”. He is very close to his Knight brothers who have been there for Gilbert for many years.
Gilbert also played softball with his longtime friends from “La Familia
He enjoyed the accordion, Winstar Casino, family home videos and his Mexican heritage was very important to him as well as tradition.
His number one priority was his love of wife and his family. Gilbert was a man of character, integrity and honor. A funny, loving man and a devout catholic as a longtime member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Dallas.
Affectionately known as Hon, Dad, Papo, Brother, Tio Beto, Compadre and friend , he will be greatly missed by all.
Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”
In Lieu of flowers you may donate to: Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090 www.alz.org 800.272.3900Alzheimer's
The Villanueva Family, would like to thank all the family and friends for their outpouring of love and support in our difficult time.