Juan Antonio Villarreal, age 80, passed away from natural causes on May 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Juan was born in Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico on June 14, 1945 to his parents Pascuala and Pedro Villarreal. He was the youngest of eight children and was lovingly referred to as “Chiquis” (or little one) by his family and friends.

A primary tenet of Juan’s life was his unwavering commitment to uplifting his family. He valued education deeply and was very studious, often scoring high marks in all of his courses. Juan first came to the United States in the 1960’s, when he was invited by the U.S. Government to fill the country’s critical shortage for skilled workers during the Vietnam War. While he was originally studying to be an accountant, he pivoted to complete his technical degree in Welding in order to meet this need. He began his career in the Petroleum industry as an Apprentice but quickly rose to become a Master Pipe Welder, one of the most demanding and respected roles in the trade. Recognized for his skill and work ethic, he was recruited by all Big 5 supermajor corporations for projects across the country and went on to become an Independent Owner-Operated Welder. He built a remarkable career through his hard work, dedication, and resilience.

Juan was a deeply devoted family man. He married Yolanda R. Cardenas at the age of 28. Juan often shared how as a child he noticed a little blonde girl with ringlets who walked by his house – never imagining she would one day become his wife. Juan and Yolanda became a couple in 1965, their courtship was one filled with romance. Juan would often visit Yolanda’s home and serenade her with accompanying mariachi musicians, a local tradition in Hidalgo for sweethearts. He often shared that he felt incredibly fortunate to marry “the most beautiful girl in town.”

Juan loved his daughters “with his whole heart.” He was an active and involved dad who pushed against the standard norms of fatherhood of his time. For instance, he insisted on being present in the delivery room during the birth of each of his daughters, an uncommon practice of that era. Juan was very involved in the caretaking of his three girls. Some of his favorite stories to share were memories of his daughters during their younger years, from reaching for them when they took their first steps, holding them up when he taught them how to ride their bikes, and wiping their tears when they suffered disappointments. He always had sage advice and compassionate words of wisdom, and he strived tirelessly for his girls to have the best opportunities possible. Juan also loved his son-in-laws dearly, welcoming them into his family with open arms. He joked with them constantly and provided them with invaluable guidance, love and affection. His greatest joy was the arrival of his grandchildren, when he was thrilled to be once-again surrounded by babies. Each and every one of his grandchildren have been held, fed, rocked, and bathed, often in the kitchen sink, by their nurturing grandfather. They have benefited from his wisdom and generosity. They have lived every day with the certainty of knowing that their Welito loved them unconditionally and would support them through any challenge. Remarkably, he created a unique and special relationship with each and every one of his grandchildren and he will in turn be missed by each of them tremendously.

Juan was a true renaissance man with a wide array of talents and interests. He often spoke with joy of growing up playing and excelling at a variety of sports including baseball, soccer, basketball, marbles and jacks which he would play with his childhood friends, siblings, and cousins. His interests varied widely from traveling to cooking, to playing the harmonica and guitar, to fishing and riding his bike, as well as enjoying, and dancing to, all types of music including the waltz and the twist. He delighted in surprising others with his many hidden talents. He certainly lived a life full of adventure, never met a stranger and was an avid storyteller, easily captivating any audiences’ interest and often inciting tears and always inciting laughter. His comedic timing was pure perfection! He loved the little simple pleasures of life, such as curling up with his grandchildren to watch Tom & Jerry or Lady and the Tramp, feeding the birds every morning with his wife, toiling in his beautiful garden, chatting with his neighbors and cheering along the local soccer and football teams.

Juan will be deeply missed by the many people whose life he has touched.

He is survived by his wife Yolanda R. Villarreal, his daughters Gabriela V. Siggins, Brenda Kissack, and Yoly R. Villarreal, son-in-laws William C. Siggins and Thomas Cepeda Jr., and grandchildren Abigail J. Escalante, Connor A. Kissack, Sienna L. Kissack, Hannah I. Siggins, Matthew T. Cepeda, Sophia G. Cepeda, and Sarah (Sarita) E. Siggins and he joins his grandbaby Emma C. Siggins in Heaven.

Juan often told his family that he would give them his entire heart if they ever needed it. That’s the kind of man he was, one who lived his life with his whole, entire, big and beautiful heart.

We love you Viejito, Papi, Dad, Daddy, Welito with OUR entire hearts and will miss you every day until we are held in your strong and loving embrace once again.