Arturo A. "Godoy" Villarreal

Arturo A. "Godoy" Villarreal entered into eternal rest with his family by his side on Friday, July 8, 2011, at the age of 82 years. Arturo was born in Raymondville on May 7, 1929, to his parents, Arturo and Concepcion.

Arturo moved to Brownsville at a very early age when his beloved mother passed away. When he was 13, his father passed away unexpectedly and he was raised by his loving grandmother, Lorenza Gonzalez. Arturo attended school in Brownsville and after completion of his studies worked as a longshoreman at the Port of Brownsville gaining valuable experience in the maritime industry. Arturo volunteered for service in the United States Army in 1952 at the height of the Korean conflict to serve and protect the way of life he cherished as a citizen of our great country against foreign aggression. Arturo was assigned as a combat construction specialist and served with distinction overseas in various theaters including Germany and received an honorable discharge after completing active and reserve duty for nearly 10 years. While in the army, Arturo boxed competitively and was an avid sportsman who even played in the organized baseball leagues prior to enlistment as a major league prospect as an infielder. After completion of active duty in the Army, Arturo returned to serve in the United States Army Corps of Engineers where he worked for 40 years until retirement in 2006. Arturo was assigned as a crew member on various ships, namely the U.S. Wheeler, responsible for dredging operations to ensure that U.S. waterways remain clear from obstruction so that free commerce could flow in the form of shipping in and out of ports throughout the continental U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Arturo received numerous awards for his service and received the respect of his crew and captain and admired the men he served with during his career from all walks of life. Arturo liked people and people liked him because he believed everyone was the same regardless of race, creed or color.

Arturo met the love of his life and married Concepcion Coronado De Villarreal in 1967 and raised three children, Dalia (John) Shergold, Dalila Villarreal and Arturo (Alicia) Villarreal Jr., who were the pride and joy of his life. Concepcion, a strong woman of faith, was bound for 44 years in everlasting love with Arturo and was constantly by his side during his illness. Arturo also was a devoted grandfather to Giovanni, Arturo III, Angel and Felicity who loved their grandpa with all their heart.

Arturo was predeceased by his sisters, Viola Paredes and Elvira Cavazos.

Arturo is survived by his remaining sisters, Minerva Estrada and Francisca Cardenas; and nephews; Van Escamilla was a caretaker of Arturo during his illness.

Arturo will be greatly missed by all who knew him but he will be remembered for leaving us a better place for all the lives he touched and is now with our Lord and savior with his life complete and purpose finished.

Visitation will begin today, Sunday, July 10, at noon and continue until 9 p.m., with a prayer service to begin at 7 p.m., in the East Chapel at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home. Mass of Resurrection will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, July 11, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens. Military rites will be conducted at the gravesite by the American Legion Post 2035 Funeral Honor Guard under the command of Raul A. Leal.

Honored to be serving as Mr. Villarreal's pallbearers are Van Escamilla, Manuel Coronado, Gilberto Escamilla, Mario Cantu, Carlos Garza and Reyes Saenz.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Darling-Mouser Funeral Home, 945 Palm Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520. Phone (956) 546-7111.