Elias "Joe" Villarreal

Elias’s “Joe” Villarreal, 92, of Nederland, TX left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on December 23, 2022.
A funeral service will be held Friday, December 30, 2022, at Levingston Funeral Home in Pt. Neches. Visitation at 10:00 and service at 11:00 with burial to follow at Oak Bluff Cemetery.

Born in Doucette, TX, he was the son of Isabel Sanchez Villarreal and Jose Villarreal and was the oldest of three siblings. Joe grew up in Port Arthur and developed a strong work ethic early on. At nine years old, he delivered water bills and newspapers to earn money. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School. Joe wanted to serve his country and at 17 years of age, he joined the Army and was a member of the Second Infantry where he was stationed in Korea and served as a Forward Observer. He was seriously wounded in action, received a Purple Heart, and was credited for saving the life of one of his friends. Upon returning home, Joe met and married his beautiful wife, Thelma, and they raised five children who were Joe’s pride and joy. For the majority of his adult life, he worked at least two jobs---All Makes Business Machines where he was part owner and responsible for repair and maintenance of business machines, copiers, etc. for several school districts and DuPont where he was an Operator in the Hypalon Unit. Joe never met a stranger and always loved to help others. He joined the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization to help other veterans who had been wounded in action. There he visited and encouraged disabled vets in hospitals and helped raise money and distribute food/supplies to veteran families. Within a few years, he was made Commander of the local DAV chapter. He also was recognized for his contribution, guidance, and support of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) youth program in the community and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe loved baseball, boxing, pool, cards, and dancing. He was always quick to smile, lend a hand and help others wherever he could.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Sosa of Pt. Arthur, TX; daughters, Theresa Moeller of Bayou Vista, TX, and Mary Bonrepos of Tyler, TX; three sons-- Daniel (Alisa) Villarreal of Orlando, FL, Manuel Villarreal of Nederland, TX, and Oscar (Darlene) Villarreal of Ft. Worth, TX. He has several grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Isabel (Sanchez) Villarreal, father, Jose Villarreal, and brothers William Villarreal and Andrew Villarreal.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the wonderful people at Forever Young who loved and helped take great care of our dad.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Tunnel to Towers, St. Jude Hospital, or a charity of your choice.