Ernest Villarreal

Ernest Villarreal was born May 29, 1938, to Ernest Villarreal Sr. and Angelina Carpio Villarreal in Houston, Texas. Ernest was one of 6 siblings. He grew up on Lucille Street in Houston, Texas in a small neighborhood called Crisol where he met many of his life-long friends and the love of his life, Alice Acosta. She happened to actually be the girl next door. Spending days and nights at the fence that divided their houses talking until her dad would make her come in was one of the happiest memories he always shared.

Ernest and Alice married on August 2, 1959, and celebrated their 64th wedding Anniversary in 2023. The biggest blessings of their marriage were their 4 children. Ernest and Alice welcomed Cynthia in June 1960, Rachel in January 1963, Ernest Jr. in October 1965, and their youngest, Michelle, in January 1972. Ernest loved the life he built and the home he had in Channelview. He was happiest tinkering in the garage and always updating or fixing his home. His number one priority was always taking care of his family. He was a hard worker, often having 2 jobs but always making time for his family.

Ernest was known for his witty one-liners, and for the loyalty and love that he showed his family and friends. He loved to travel. He had many hobbies but was the happiest when he was packing up the truck and hitching the camper for one of the numerous summer vacations to Camp Riverview and Garner State Park with his best friends. This was a tradition that went on for many years and memories were made there that will last a lifetime.

Being a hardworking man was something Ernest took pride in. He worked his way up in the glass industry, starting out as a glass glazer, and eventually ended up holding many leadership roles throughout his career. He retired in 1998 at the age of 60 years old. His work ethic is one of the many attributes that he passed down to his children. He was a proud father and grandfather, and it did not matter what any of them did, he was going to make sure to share it and celebrate it. They were all his pride and joy. The greatest gift that he gave his children and grandchildren was that he believed in each of them fiercely and supported them unconditionally. He was a pillar of strength, support and love for his family.

Ernest was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017. His journey was a testament to his unwavering strength and resilience. After a few years of battling, he beat cancer and has been in remission for the last 4 years. The cancer treatment severely damaged his lungs and made it extremely difficult for him at times. No matter how difficult it was, he never gave up and never lost faith in the Lord. Ernest will be remembered for his abundant love and generosity to his family and friends. On Thursday, December 21, 2023, surrounded by the embrace of those he cherished most, Ernest peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior. While his physical presence may be absent, the memories of his enduring spirit and love will linger on, weaving into the fabric of the lives he touched. Ernest will be dearly missed, his absence leaving a void that can only be filled by the echoes of his laughter, the wisdom of his words, and the love he so generously shared.

Ernest was survived by his loving wife, Alice Villarreal, and children, Cynthia Ann Craig and her husband Steve Craig, Rachel Aldaco and her husband Jessie Aldaco, Ernest Villarreal Jr. and his wife Norma Villarreal, Michelle Campbell and her husband David Campbell, and sister Belen Rodriguez. His legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren, Jason Villarreal, Alicia Hernandez, Kristina Butler, A. J Saiz, Kent Campbell, Madison Campbell, great-grandchildren, Lyric Vasquez, Ally Saiz, Cobie Saiz, Julian Ramirez, Tina Ramirez, Matthew Hernandez, Jacob Villarreal, Jace Zepeda, Arlo Butler, Mila Butler, Isabella Saiz, and great-great-grandchildren, Joe Cruz III, and Giovani Cruz.

Ernest was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Jon Michael Zepeda, brothers, Robert Villarreal and Lupe Villarreal, sisters, Gregoria Soto and Tina Espinoza. In addition, he has been laid to rest with his parents, Ernest and Angelina Villarreal, his father and mother-in-law, Espiridion and Josephina Acosta.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, January 8th at 11AM.