Estevan "Steve" Villarreal, 61, died Saturday, August 12th at his home in in Brush, surrounded by his family. Steve struggled with numerous medical conditions that disabled him in his later years, and in his final days he was bed bound, in pain, and could no longer fight his infections.

Steve was born September 6th, 1955 at the family home in Hillrose to his mother and father, Lillian Marie and Paulino D. Villarreal.

After graduating from Brush High School in 1974, Steve joined the US Marine Corp.  He was honorably discharged in 1977.

Steve married Ruth Brunkhardt on April 3, 1997 in Fort Morgan. They lived in Brush for 20 years.

Steve enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, basketball, football, and Christmas decorating. He loved to pass out sacks of candy at Christmas time. Steve was a very good babysitter and he loved children. Steve was a hardworking man, and was employed by the Sugar Factory, Edwards, and numerous auto parts retailers.

Steve is survived by his wife, Ruth of Brush; his father, Paulino D. Villarreal of Hillrose; his step daughters, Rebecca Tibbetts (Erick Reuda) of Brush and Carrie Tibbetts (Jose M. Salazar II) of Valdasta, GA; his step grandchildren, Elijo Barraza Jr., Elizah Baraza, Elias Barraza, Jose M. Salazar III and Savannah Salazar; his siblings, Leonard Villarreal (Debra) of Brush, Lisa Villarreal, (Dana Shinker) of Fort Morgan, Yolanda & Nancy Villarreal of Hillrose, Michael Villarreal (Amanda) of Brush, and Nicole Villarreal (Avery Garcia of Longmont; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Marie Villarreal; his brother, Paulino Villarreal Jr.; his paternal grandparents, Juan Villarreal and Ynez Villarreal; and his maternal grandparents, Macario Garcia, and Carmen Garcia.

Steve will be honored with a service of remembrance on Thursday, August 17th at 10:00 AM at the Heer Mortuary Chapel in Brush. Interment will follow in Brush Memorial Cemetery.  Military honors will be given by the US Marine Corp, Patriot Guard, and the American Legion #68 / VFW #3551 Honor Guard. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 16th from 4 – 7 PM, also at the mortuary. Memorial gifts may be made in Steve's name to Heer Mortuary, 222 Cameron St. Brush, CO 80723.