Born on June 10, 1936 to Domingo and Susana Villarreal (nee Villalon) in Cuevitas, Texas. Arturo lived a life filled with variety. As a child, he worked as a farm laborer in the fields alongside his parents and siblings, but his intellect would not limit his fortunes. Arturo went on to serve his country in the US Army, and would proudly display his status as a veteran for the rest of his life. He went on to work for the federal government in a variety of locations, where his skills as a problem-solver fueled his work until his retirement.
Arturo was loved beyond measure, and in his own way, did his best to live life on his own terms. In his final days, he enjoyed tinkering with mechanical projects and re-engineering machines that had been all but abandoned come back to life. He enjoyed visits with his grandchildren most, smiling ear-to-ear when sharing time with them.
Arturo is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Ruben Villarreal (Guadalupe) and Ninfa (Ramon) Rendon and his beloved daughter, Cynthia Ann Villarreal Foltz.
Arturo is survived by:
His former spouse, and beloved friend, Berta De Leon,
Irene (Paul) Zimmerman and her sons Carlos Villarreal and Ethan Zimmerman;
Terri (George) Perez and their children, Victoria (Waylon) Pettet, and children Jaxon, Bella, Maya, Jaylon and Judson Pettet) and Nicholas (Ariana) Perez, and children Keith, Xaylee and Harleen Bernadette;
Lisa Villarreal and her sons, Jakob Ryan Richards Villarreal and Joshua Daniel Richards Villarreal;
Arturo (Cynthia) Villarreal, Jr. and their daughters Monica Alicia (Julian) Perez and Ana Berta Villarreal;
Berta Laurie Villarreal and her son, Jonathan Alexander Mascorro;
Celina Yubia Villarreal and her sons, Alec, Eric, Kian and Charles Villanueva.
Arturo is also survived by his two brothers, Jesus (Frances) Villarreal and Domingo (Rosella) Villarreal, Jr.
Blessed with an extended family, Arturo is also survived by many cousins and their children, nieces and nephews from Starr County, Texas and across the United States of America.
A memorial service to celebrate Arturo's life will be held April 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Fellowship Bible Church located at 1110 Tom Gill Road, Penitas, Texas 78576. The service will be followed by interment with full military honors at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery located at 2520 S. Inspiration Road Mission, Texas 78572.
In lieu of flowers, Arturo’s family asks that donations be made to Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services - AMVETS National Service Foundation in his name.
The family wishes to thank everyone who was part of his long life for adding to his moments of joy and happiness. While we realize there are so many who could have been included in this list above, please understand that while you are not named individually, you will be remembered and treasured by our family.
