Larry Villarreal | 1936 - 2016 | Obituary
Visitation & Prayer Service
Wednesday, Aug 17, 2016
04:00 PM-08:00 PM
Funeral Service
Thursday, Aug 18, 2016
10:00 AM
Graveside Service & Interment
Thursday, Aug 18, 2016
11:30 AM
Larry Villarreal
August 18, 1936 - August 11, 2016
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Lauro “Larry” Villarreal passed away on 11 August 2016 in Lewisville, Texas.
Larry was born to Aniceto Villarreal and Reinalda Rangel on 18 August 1936. He was born at home at 2321 Alamo, Dallas, TX 75201 and was the youngest sibling of the family.
He is survived by a brother, David Villarreal and is preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Joe Villarreal, Jesus Villarreal, Jim A. Villarreal, Benny Villarreal, Pete Villarreal, Francisca R. Gill, Juanita Garcia and Olivia Solis.
As a young man Larry’s first job was as a shoe shine boy. He often helped in his family’s neighborhood grocery store and was also a house painter. These skills became handy later in his life.
Larry graduated from Crozier Technical High School in Dallas which was known as the first school to offer a wide range of vocational courses along with regular basic academics. Go Wolfpack!
On 12 June 1956 at the age of 19, Larry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was sent to Camp Pendleton, California. He was in Platoon 3009, OORAH!!! He trained and served as a wireman in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, OORAH!!!
After Larry served his country in California, he returned home to 3118 Sneed Street, Dallas, TX 75204 and reported to the 8th Marine Corps Reserve and Recruitment District to serve out his final two years. Larry was Honorably discharged on 11 June 1962. OORAH!!!
Upon returning home Larry met and married Yolanda Cancino on 21 February 1959. They were married for 51 years. She preceded him in death on 17 June 2010.
Larry and Yolanda attended services at Palacios Street Baptist Mission in West Dallas where Larry was baptized on 15 June 1961 and later taught a class.
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Villarreal made Oak Cliff their permanent home in 1968. Oak Cliff was primarily a retirement community and a good place to raise a family. Oak Cliff was also at a higher elevation and not a flooding risk and it was important for him to keep the family safe.
He worked as a machinist for Fritz Chemical Company of Mesquite from 1962 to 2001... 39 years and would have kept right on working if he still could. He enjoyed his work, took it seriously and became an expert in his position. Larry demonstrated an excellent work ethic. He went to work to work and for years arose at 4 AM to go to work. He was faithful and reported for work even if he was not feeling well. A “sick day” was not an option to him.
Larry loved his country and believed in being an “active” citizen... he was informed of current elections, he exercised his right to vote and voted in every election. He loved to read the newspaper and kept up with current events and loved to do the newspaper crosswords (and any other crosswords that came his way).
Things he would carry in his wallet were a picture of himself in his Marine fatigues holding a rifle, one of himself with Yolanda, his voter registration card and any important notes or articles for himself or those he wanted to share with others.
It is a celebration of life and a time to remember the happy times he shared with friends and family.
He was father to: Larry Villarreal Jr., Carole Villarreal Arenas and Marcelino Villarreal. Grandfather to: Christina Contreras, Joe L. Arenas, III, Adrian A. Arenas, Stephan M. Arenas, Valerie Villarreal, Erica Villarreal and Michael Villarreal. Great-grandfather to: Anthony Duarte.
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