Samuel D. Villeareal, 57, Lawrence, passed away peacefully at his home, Wednesday, October 26, 2011 with his wife at his side under the care of Grace Hospice of Topeka. He was born in Olton, Texas to Samuel Villarreal and Antonia Davila on August 29, 1954.
Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, Kansas from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2011. Funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Free Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Graveside service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas. Immediately following the graveside service we will gather at the Free Methodist Church for a potluck lunch and fellowship. Bring your best “Sammy” stories to share.
Sam married Enedina (Nina) Martinez June 25, 1988 in Lawrence. He brought into the marriage two children from a previous marriage, she a son and together had two additional children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, three brothers and one sister.
Sam is survived by his wife of 23 years, three sons; Samuel Villeareal III, Ramon Martinez and David Villeareal, two daughters; Kristie Villeareal and Raquel Villeareal; two grandsons; Andres Martinez and Carter Rush, all of Lawrence, Kansas. He is also survived by four brothers; Hector Gonzales, Dimmitt, TX; Armando Davila, San Angelo, TX and Adrian Villarreal, Haskell, TX; Antonio Requena, Chino Hills, CA; four sisters; Albarina Castillo, Pomona, CA; Crisanta Fulkerson, Corona, CA; Oralia Martinez, Haskell, TX and Alicia Villarreal, Abilene, TX.
Sam was honorably discharged from the Kansas Army National Guard in 1994, having served 13 years. He lived in Lawrence these last 26 years, worked as a framing carpenter, a cook, a welder and an insurance agent.
Being the ultimate Chiefs fan, he loved all things Chiefs. Regardless of whether they had a winning season or not, Sam supported and rooted for the Chiefs. His favorite saying was “Chiefs all the way, baby.” You couldn’t go wrong with gifts, so long as it was Chiefs related. Other interests were barbecuing, golfing, spending time with his friends, watching action movies, reading books, watching Chiefs football, KU basketball and the KC Royals.
He loved his family and friends. He was proud of his children and always remembered to pray for them. He loved with all his heart, had a wonderful smile, his eyes sparkled and his laugh filled you up. He was a wonderful husband, father, Son, grandfather cousin, and friend. We will miss him.
Memorials may be made to the Samuel D. Villeareal memorial fund in care of the funeral home.
