Oscar Cuellar Velasquez

Oscar Cuellar Velasquez January 4, 1934 - July 10, 2025

Oscar Cuellar Velasquez passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born in Hondo, Texas, to Juan and Eloisa (née Cuellar) Velasquez.

Oscar lived in Munday, Texas, where he met his first wife, Maria Sosa. Oscar and Maria moved to Abilene in the late 50’s where they raised their children and were active in the community, schools and church. In 2023, Oscar moved to Cedar Park, TX to be closer to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In Abilene, Oscar was well-known throughout the community for his work at local home improvement stores. He began his career at Bowman Lumber, which later became Abilene Lumber and then BMC West. As a paint specialist, he was renowned for his ability to match any color by eye - without the aid of a computer. His dedication to his customers meant he knew "almost the entire population of Abilene," and was a familiar, friendly face wherever he went. Friends and former customers would often stop him to chat or ask for home improvement advice.

Oscar was an active member of the American G.I. Forum in the 1970’s and 80’s which helped returning Vietnam War veterans and their families services and scholarships. Oscar also served as an election judge for Taylor County for twenty-plus years.

Oscar was a member of the American Numismatic Society, the National Rifle Association and the local League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

Oscar was generous with his time and attention to family and friends alike. When he wasn’t at work, he was out somewhere helping a friend complete a project or supporting his children with their sporting events.

To his family and friends, Oscar's defining attribute was his dedication to work and education, which was a dedication to his family. This commitment ensured that his late wife Maria Sosa Velasquez, their children, and their grandchildren were always housed, clothed, fed, and cared for. His family recalls from a young age, Oscar would always ask his grandchildren, "If they were working," a testament to the value he placed on hard work and providing for loved ones. He loved as much as he was loved.

He is survived by his second spouse, Evita Villarreal, and his stepchildren, Richard Villarreal and his wife Melinda (née Aguilera) of San Angelo and Rebecca Villarreal of San Antonio.

His first wife, Maria Sosa Velasquez, passed away in 2009.

Oscar will be terribly missed by his children: Peter Velasquez and his partner, Blu Gomez, of Austin; Kristina Velasquez Witosky travels often to visit family and friends; and John Velasquez and Nancy Velasquez, who both reside in San Antonio. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Lucian Velasquez, who passed in 2011.

Oscar was the eldest of ten children. His surviving siblings are Raul Velasquez, Corinna Ybarra, Janie Galindo, Esther Pena, Margaret Gorman, and Joe Velasquez. He was predeceased by three brothers: Paul Velasquez, Richard Velasquez, and Arthur Velasquez.

Oscar’s grandchildren are thriving and are dedicated to their families and their work, following the role model he was. He is also survived by his beloved great-granddaughters: Aliyah Anderson, daughter of first-born grandson Bryce Anderson and his wife Vaheeda Mohamed of Cedar Park; and Lily Kenney, daughter of granddaughter Emily (née Anderson) Kenney and her husband Travis Kenney. Oscar’s other grandchildren who will miss their “Peepaw” are Justin Velasquez, Charles Velasquez Witosky and wife Marylea Witosky, Willem Velazquez Witosky, George Oscar Velasquez, Samantha Velasquez, and Curran Velasquez.

A special thank you to Matthew Sherrod, and to Linda Miko, close family friends who provided an immeasurable amount of care and support for Oscar in his final days.

A Memorial Service in Abilene, Texas is being scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, get to work early tomorrow!