Emilio Siller Villarreal

Emilio S. Villarreal entered eternal rest at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas on July 24, 2024, at the age of 76. 

Emilio was born to Beatriz and Audon Villarreal in Pearsall, TX on May 18, 1948. 

At a young age, he started working odd jobs at Martinez grocery store and selling papers for the Pearsall Leader and Grit Magazine. He helped his father with his dump trucks and harvesting watermelons. His favorite employer was the Dairy Bar, where he worked early on a school morning when he first laid eyes on the love of his life, Gloria. 

He graduated from Pearsall High School in 1967 and then he attended Southwest Texas Junior College until he was drafted by the US Army in May 1968 at the age of 19. He completed basic training and attended AIT to become an Armor Recon Specialist. He was assigned to the 11thArmored Cavalry Regiment, the legendary "Blackhorse", in the Vietnam War. His bravery and commitment to his country earned him the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars. 

After serving in the war, Emilio returned home and married his childhood sweetheart, Gloria. They lived most of their married life in San Antonio where they raised four children. He worked at Kelly Air Force Base and the United States Postal Service for several years. He then pursued a career in real estate and followed that path until he retired and fulfilled his dream of farming. Emilio was passionate about his farm in Moore and produced watermelon, cucumber, squash, okra, and more. He continued working on his farm and producing crops until only days before his passing. 

Family was especially important to Emilio. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also had a special love for animals especially his beloved dogs Tencha and Paquito and the many cats he cared for on the farm. He could often be found listening to oldies and watching westerns. Over the years, he was active in many Veteran's organizations including VFW Post 8541 and Post 76 in San Antonio and Post 9195 in Pearsall, the American Legion, and DAV. He was a member of St Pius X Catholic Church in San Antonio for 45 years. He will be fiercely missed by all who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Edward Villarreal and Hector Villarreal, and sister Elvia Salinas; brother-in-law Ray Luna and parents-in-law Frank and Minerva Muzquiz. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Gloria Muzquiz Villarreal, son: Michael Villarreal (Blanca); daughters: Andrea Kohnert (Chris), Belinda Villarreal, and Carolyn Villarreal; grandchildren: Zachary Villarreal (Lindsey), Nina Villarreal, Xavier Villarreal (Sydney), Isaac Villarreal, Melina Gonzalez, Julian Gonzalez, Kimberly Kohnert, Cayla Kohnert, and Sierra Villarreal; great-grandchildren: Ethan Villarreal, Alan Villarreal, Azalea Rodriguez, Azydon Rodriguez, and Ivy Mae Villarreal. He is also survived by his siblings: Diana Ventura (Johnny), Irma McGilvray (Jim), Selma Hernandez (Alex), Audon Villarreal, Jr. (Priscilla), Abel Villarreal (Norma), Nelda Luna (Ray), Robert Villarreal (Monica); sisters in law: Alice Villarreal (Edward), Mary Ann Villarreal (Hector), and Ramona Teter; brothers in law Ernest Muzquiz (Alice), Robert Muzquiz (Diana), Roland Muzquiz (Sandy), Don Muzquiz, and numerous nieces, nephews, Godchildren, cousins, and friends. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services Chapel of Pearsall, TX. Mass will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pearsall, TX with interment to follow at Moore Catholic Cemetery in Moore, TX. 

Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 608 E. Trinity St., Pearsall, TX, 78061.