Gilberto Villarreal Lopez, 82, of McKinney, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Falfurrias, Texas, to loving parents Placido Lopez and Eloisa (Villarreal) on March 29, 1942.
Gilberto is survived by his beloved wife, Viviana V. Lopez of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Arlene Perez and husband, Danny of Van Alstyne, Texas; sons, Gil Lopez Jr. and wife, Mary of Honey Grove, Texas; Romy Lopez and wife, Vicki of Garland, Texas; grandchildren, Amber Lopez and husband, Joseph Hernandez of Anna, Texas, John Choon of Richardson, Texas, Daniel Perez and his wife, Fallon of Van Alstyne, Texas, Matthew Perez of Van Alstyne, Texas and Sammy Rhoads of Richardson, Texas; great-granchildren, Gavin and Easton Hernandez and Daniel Lee Perez; brother, Romeo Lopez of Sachse, Texas; sisters, Lucila Escobar and husband Erasmo of LaPorte, Texas; Rosa Saenz and husband, Pete of Premont, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other numerous loving family and friends.
Gilberto was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Rene Alcala, daughter, Becky Rene Lopez and sister-in-law, Maria Lopez.
Though coming from humble beginnings he knew he wanted to provide for his future family. At the age of 17, he proudly joined the Air Force. He was a Airman 2nd Class based at the 22nd Bomb Wing Headquarters – Deputy Commander for Operation, March AFB, California and Command Headquarters 3920th Combat Support Group RAF, Brize Norton, United Kingdom. He was under General Curtis Lemay. He served from 1959 to 1963.
He not only served his country but he served his family. He married the love of his life and childhood sweetheart, Viviana Villarreal on January 30th, 1960. They had over 67 years together. After living in several cities in Texas striving for better employment and opportunity, they settled in Richardson, Texas to raise their family. Through the good and bad they were always devoted and loving partners.
He was called “Papa” by all who knew him. He was always happiest and content when he was surrounded by his children, grand children and great grandchildren. He loved the outdoors like camping, hunting and fishing as well as sports. He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. Coming from a history of ranchers, he took every opportunity he could to ride horses or work on the ranch. He passed all that love of the outdoors on to his children and grandchildren. He coached his sons’ little league baseball and soccer teams and always made it a point to make all the school practices when he could. He supported all his children’s extracurricular activities, sometimes even when it was a financial hardship that he kept to himself and made it possible for them to continue on with their dreams. He knew early on he always wanted to be present for his family and make his wife and children his priority.
It has been said that Gilberto “Papa” was the epitome of a dedicated and devoted provider, always putting his family first and ensuring they were well cared for. His unwavering commitment to his loved ones was truly inspiring. He made sure his children had the best education. It gives the family comfort that he is celebrating with Jesus, his daughter, Becca, and other family and friends. His legacy as a hard working provider and loving presence will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family would like to gratefully thank the nurses and staff at T. Boone Pickens Hospice/Faith Presbyterian Hospice for helping make his transition peaceful for Papa and the family.
A memorial gathering will be held at 9:00 a.m., September 7th, 2024 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. Following the memorial, at 10:30am a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.