Lazaro Villarreal Sr.

Lazaro Villarreal Sr. rode off into eternal peace at the age of 76 on April, 13, 2014 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Le Grand, California. due to a courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather and a friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Lazaro was born on February 12, 1938 in Raymondville, Texas to Eligio and Consuelo Villarreal. He was the second of ten children.Lazaro was a hardworking man all of his life who enjoyed his grandchildren and attending their sporting activities. He was a devoted Dallas Cowboy fan and enjoyed listening to country western music and watching western movies. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, tending to his honey do list and going to the casino. In 1963 he married the love of his life, Maria. Together they created 50 years of memories. In December of 1964 they headed out West for California for a short visit and never returned back to Texas, making Le Grand their permanent home.

Lazaro is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Maria of Le Grand, CA, daughter Teresa Villarreal of Le Grand, CA, son Lazaro Villarreal Jr. and his wife Christina, daughter Ada Ochoa and her husband Enrique, son David Villarreal and his wife Katrina all of Merced, CA and 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. His siblings; Manuela Salazar, Delia Vargas, Juan Villarreal, Leonel Villarreal all of Le Grand, CA, Eligio Villarreal of Merced, CA, Dominga Marroquin and Trina Marroquin of Patterson, CA, Guadalupe Lopez of Raymondville, TX, and Virginia Saldana of Phoenix, AZ.

A visitation will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA 95340 on Monday, April 21, 2014 from 3-6 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary following at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Church 13145 Le Grand, CA 95333 at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. A graveside burial will follow at Plainsburg Cemetery. A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall in Le Grand.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Father Angel and the parishioners of St. Columba Church for their continuous prayers. To Dr. Imatiz Malik, Bob Justice, PA and their staff who gave Lazaro such tender loving care. We have been extremely touched with the many expressions of sympathy and support. God bless you for all your kindness which will never be forgotten. Who knew that our father who was a simple, humble man could touch so many lives. Cherish your loved ones every day; you never know when it will be the last.In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.