Eugene Garcia Villarreal was his Christian name, but to his family and friends, and there are many on both sides, he was simply Poncho. Poncho was born in Elgin, Texas, on March 20, 1936 to Alvino and Beatrice Villarreal.
Cancer robbed him of his health, but it never weakened his resolve and determination. He died at home Monday, May 4, 2015, surrounded by his family.
His survivors include his wife of 28 years, Sharon Roberts Villarreal; four daughters, Connie (Donnie), Ramona (Jack), Naomi and Victoria (Rob); three sons, Arthur (Ben) and Eugene (Shay) and Joey Roberts (Amanda); sisters, Connie, Isabel, Kate, Margaret, Janie, Lollie, Lupe; grandchildren, David, Patricia, Keith, Rebecca, James, Steven, Beebee, Tyler, and Christina, Brandon, Jessica, Jonathan, Amanda, Courtney, Cole, Josh and Abby Jo; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephew. His daughter, Becky preceded him in death. He loved his family but his grandchildren could make the sun shine in his life, no matter the weather.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mineral Springs Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be, Chris Davis, Brian Davis, Matt Davis, David Audirsch, Brandon and Jonathan Kervin.
Honorary pallbearers will be John C. Roberts, Billy R. Davis, Richard Lunsford, Rick Roberts, David Audirsch Sr, Rob Ferrington, Donnie Franks, and Jack Burns.
If heaven had an opening for a “jack-of-all-trades,” that position was filled Monday night.
Any planned memorials may be made to St. Joseph Hospice, 1890 Hudson Circle, Suite 3, Monroe, LA or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.