Jose Villarreal

A beloved husband, father, uncle, and friend, Jose (Joe) Villarreal of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on May 4, 2026, after a brief illness. Over his 78 years of life, he left a lasting impression on many through his wisdom, humor, and faith.

Joe was born on September 27, 1947, in Elgin, TX, at the Elgin Butler Brickyard to the late Jose Maria and Julia Villarreal. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1968, received a drafting certificate from Temple Commercial College in 1969, and later attended Austin Community College for real estate training.

He began his career designing oil mining equipment before being drafted into the US Army. While serving in the Army, Joe was stationed at the American Embassy in Brazil, where he worked as an Assistant to the Military Attache. After his Army service, Joe joined the Air Force Reserves, where he worked as a decoder. After leaving the military, he worked for many years as a Property Agent with the City of Austin in their Real Estate Acquisition Office.

Joe was a devout Roman Catholic and supported the church by volunteering in numerous ministries, notably, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, the Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound, and the St. Louis Church Parish Council. He was a faithful and active Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Assembly 2244, and past Deputy Grand Knight of Council 5967.

Throughout his life Joe made several pilgrimages, prayed regularly with friends, and enjoyed spending quality time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Pauline Villarreal, brothers Eusebio Villarreal and Christino Villarreal, brother-in-law Joe Gonzalez, and sister-in-law Augustina Villarreal. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, June Lobit Villarreal, children Angelica and Ricardo, grandchildren, sister Frances Gonzalez of Elgin, brother Elpidio Gonzales of Dallas, and 12 nephews and nieces.

A rosary will be recited on Friday May 22 at 6:00pm at Cook-Walden Funeral home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752

Funeral services will be held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 8626 FM 1105, Jarrell, TX 76537, on May 23, 2026, at 10:00am.