John Villarreal, long time Morgan County resident, passed away on December 18, 2015 in Greeley, after a battle with Leukemia.

John Villarreal was born June 2, 1929 in Rio Hondo, Texas to Juan and Inez Villarreal. John was one of twelve children. He moved to Brush, CO in 1945, where he met the love of his life, Maggie Acosta. They were married April 23, 1954 at the Hillrose United Methodist Church. He resided in Hillrose from April 1954 through August 2015. This is where he and his wife raised their 4 children . He is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Greeley.

He was a heavy equipment operator for 30 years for Weisbart/Boxer Feedlots in the early years of his married life. He retired from Mohrlang Manufacturer, as a welder, after 12 years of employment.

He and his wife, Maggie, enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, traveling and spending time with their children and family. He was a member of the Hillrose Fire Department for 15 years, giving of his time and talents to help others in need. He was a member of the Muir Springs Shooting Club.

He is survived by his children, Susie Villarreal (Andres) of Greeley, CO; Charles Villarreal of Dix, NE; Lydia (Jim) Pyle of Greeley, CO; & Philip Villarreal of Dix, NE. He has ten grandchildren: Amanda, Elizabeth, Sarah, Amy, Lindsay, Jon, Philip Jr., Sydney, Noah and Avery, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings: Paulino Villarreal, Roman Villarreal, Petra Ramirez, Phyllis Neibauer and Benita Council.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maggie Villarreal; his parents, Juan and Inez Villarreal; brothers, Manual Villarreal, Isidro Villarreal, Perfecto Villarreal, Feliciano Villarreal, and sisters: Hipolita Rivera, Josepha Mendoza.

A memorial service will be held on December 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM in Brush, at Heer Mortuary. Inurnment will follow in the Brush Memorial Cemetery. Heer Mortuary is entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Friends, who wish, may make memorial gifts to The Morgan Game & Fish Conservation Club, Inc., P.O. Box 1175, Fort Morgan, CO 80701 or the First United Methodist Church of Greeley, 917 10th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631.