David Villafana

David Villafana, a native of Barstow California, passed away on Friday, December 6th, 2024, at the age of 92 years old. David was born on May 5th, 1932, and was raised in a family of 2 brothers and 5 sisters. In his senior year at Barstow High School, he enlisted in the United States Army on 29 August 1949 at the age of 17. Following basic training at Fort Ord, California, Private David Villafana was assigned to the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Division. On 23 December 1949, he came home on leave for 20 days, later reporting for duty at Camp Stoneman, Ca. In January 1950 he was shipped to Japan. After four months in Japan, he was replaced with the 24th Infantry Division and shipped to Korea. Arriving in Korea on 9 July 1950 he learned of the Korean War outbreak and within a week David’s division was one of the first groups in the war. His unit fought in the Battle of Pusan for eight days outside Taegon. His platoon was lost and the next day it was overrun by the North Korean Army. On 20 July 1950, David and a fellow soldier found a jeep and tried to make it back to friendly territory in Taegon South Korea but were soon captured by North Korean soldiers. David was sent to a prison camp where he was held prisoner of war for over three years. Witnessing unspeakable brutality at the hands of his captors. On 23 September 1953, David was freed and returned to Barstow after a prisoner exchange release. David was in severe poor health due to malnutrition, weighing only 98 lbs, and was diagnosed with tuberculosis in both lungs. He was transported to Denver Colorado where he spent 14 months in the hospital. When he was finally free of the disease, he had lost half of one lung. Because of the disease, he re-enlisted in the Army for medical care. In October 1956, he was honorably discharged from the United States Army.

David’s decorations include the Korean Service Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

David worked for the railroad as a laborer. He eventually went to Barber school, where he later opened his barbershop and retired after 30 years of servicing his community. David was actively involved in the community. He was a member of the American Legion and BHS Riffian Historical Society. In August of 2010, the Barstow city council approved a measure to rename ‘Bigger’ Street to ‘Villafana’ Street, honoring David for his services. David and his wife Lydia enjoyed traveling and dancing. David’s favorite hobbies are gardening and watching sports.

David is preceded in death by his parents; Abundio and Erlinda, Brother; Henry Villafana, and Sisters; Linda (Villafana) Peralta, Shirley (Villafana) Cole, and Esther (Villafana) Hinojosa. Grandson; Brian Wolford Jr. Stepchildren; Darlene (Ruiz) Barela and her husband Danny, and Rene Ruiz.

He is survived by his wife Lydia of 45 years. Brother; Rudy Villafana. Sisters; Enna (Villafana) McKnight, Sally (Celia Villafana) Najera. Children; Bridget (Villafana) Wolford and her husband Brian, of Arizona. Alma Villafana of Arizona. David Villafana and his wife Sam, of Arizona. Adrian Villafana and his wife Debbie, of Arizona. Adam Villafana of Arizona. Christopher Villafana and his wife Monica, of Barstow. Stepchildren; Margo (Ruiz) Padilla and her husband James, of Victorville. Jimmy Vallejos and his wife Shani, of Alabama. Daughter-in-law Lola of Arizona. 19 Grandchildren; 22 Great Grandchildren. He will always be our Hero, and forever in our hearts!