T/Sgt. Jose C. Villarreal passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 97 on January 15, 2020. He was a life-long resident of Laredo, Texas. He proudly served his country as a Technical Sergeant, Company B of the 349th Infantry, 337th “Wolverine” Infantry Regiment of the 8th “Custer” Division in the United States Army during World War II. He was wounded in the Battle of Apennines in Italy while on night patrol.

He earned several medals including EAME Ribbon Infantryman’s Badge, two Bronze Star Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, European-African-Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and European Theater of Operations.

Upon his return to Laredo he met and married the love of his life, Maria del Carmen. During their 69 years of marriage they raised three children and built a lifetime of memories. Jose was a talented painter, an avid sports fan of the Astros and the Dallas Cowboys, he enjoyed playing baseball, gardening and looking after his birds. His greatest achievement was knowing he raised an amazing family and was able to provide and care for his wife “Maruca” until her death in July 2019.

Aside from earning the distinction of being a World War II Veteran, he also earned the title of Great-Great Grandpa. His family grew to include 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Mr. Villarreal is preceded in death by his wife, Maria del Carmen; parents: Manuel Villarreal and Juliana Alvarez Villarreal. Brothers; Carlos Villarreal and Pedro Villarreal. Left to cherish his memory are sons; Jose Manuel (Alma) Villarreal, Gerardo (Lourdes) Villarreal, daughter; Gilda Villarreal, grandchildren; Elizabeth (Johnny Zambrano) Villarreal, David Villarreal, Dolly Marie (Jonathan) Mason, Vanessa Lorraine (Raul) Lozano, Selina Villarreal, Jose Gerardo (Laura) Villarreal and Gabriel (Wendy) Villarreal; 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; as well as other family members and friends.

The family would like to thank his caregivers for their support: Montserrat Rodriguez, Raquel Rodriguez, Micaela Moreno, Elma Vasquez; and Alicia with Rocha Primary Care. Also, a special thank you to his private physician Dr. Eduardo Canova, Amaro Gutierrez RN; Tony Paz, Danny Flores, Gloria Turner and Patricia S. Niles, DNP at the Laredo VA Clinic.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 9:00pm, at Nieto Funeral Home & Crematory where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, January 20, 2020 from the funeral home to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:00 am. Interment will follow immediately in the Veteran's Section of the Laredo City Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 59 of Laredo and flag presentation will be provided by the United States Army honor guard. Funeral service arrangements are under the care of Nieto Funeral Home & Crematory, 802 Coke St. Laredo, TX 78040. Condolences can be expressed to the family online at www.nietofuneral.com.