Jesse Villarreal

Weslaco- Jesse Villarreal of Weslaco, TX passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Jesse was a dedicated and hard-working individual who made numerous accomplishments in his life.

Born on August 17, 1947, in Mercedes, Texas, Jesse excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball at Mercedes High School and was named all-district in all four. Upon graduation from Mercedes High School, he attended and played running back at New Mexico Highlands University and completed his Bachelors in Art at the University of Texas Pan American.

Jesse served in the Texas Army National Guard and achieved the rank of Sgt. He worked for many years at Hidalgo County Department of Community Affairs, where he was the first ever Executive Director of the JTPA (Joint Training Partnership Act) for Hidalgo County. Later, he would work and retire from Weslaco ISD as a parent specialist conducting outreach programs for local and migrant students and parents. Jesse also served many years on the board of trustees of South Texas College, representing the Mid-Valley. Jesse was also very involved with the lions club for many years and was very active in politics. He was always finding ways to serve the Hidalgo County community. His passion was helping those that were less fortunate remembering how many members of the city of Mercedes helped him growing up. This was the catalyst that allowed him to remain humble and live a life of selfless service.

Jesse was a loving father and husband who married the love of his life, Gladys Villarreal, and celebrated 52 years of marriage. Always joking around and being a great teacher to his sons, Jesse was a great example of what a father should be. His fondest memory of his family was fishing at midnight on the pier on South Padre Island, listening to the classic songs by Elvis Presley and other Solid Gold Hits. He was very artistic and creative and would spend countless hours creating yard art, paintings, and his beloved bird houses. You could find him in his shed painting beautiful art or under the drive way making bird houses.

Jesse was always there for those who asked for help and was especially proud of his sons and their accomplishments in their careers and families.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Gladys Villarreal; sons, Kristoffer (Leticia) Villarreal , Jason (Claudia) Villarreal, and Corey (Idalia) Villarreal; grandsons, Anthony, Vincent, Easton, Xavier and Adan; granddaughters, Ashley, Gabby, Karina, Anika, and Cheyenne, and one brother Alberto (Lene) Villarreal and numerous Brother and sister-in-laws, nephews and nieces, from both sids of the family.

Jesse was preceded in death by his mother; father; sisters; and one brother.

Visitation for Mr. Jesse Villarreal is scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a Memorial Service and Military Honors Ceremony at 7:00 pm at Salinas Funeral Home- Chapel of Grace in Weslaco.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Salinas Funeral Home of Weslaco.