he 301st Security Police Squadron at Carswell Air Force Base, Texas. With a new skillset in law enforcement and a passion for protecting people, Ruben went on to serve with the South Padre Island Police Department (SPIPD) after his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1978. During his time with SPIPD, Ruben received many accolades and earned the rank of Detective Sergeant. His capability was soon recognized at the federal level when he was hired to be an Immigration and Naturalization Service Federal Agent at the Port Isabel Detention Processing Center. He would go on to serve with INS, now Immigration and Customs Enforcement, for over twenty-five years, until his retirement in 2011.
Throughout his retirement, Ruben spent his time traveling, visiting family members, and in the good company of his beloved wife of 23 years. He enjoyed the simple things in life, such as a good military history documentary or an ice cold Natty Light. Even when faced with the difficult news of an aggressive cancer in his body, he never wavered and once again showed us his fighting spirit. He continued to live his life the way he wanted to live it, not letting cancer rob him of his joy or his sense of humor. He fought long and hard for five years, and in the end, it was his body that yielded, but not his spirit.
Ruben is preceded in death by his parents, his son Daniel Angel Villarreal, his brothers; Noe Villarreal, and Oscar Villarreal, and his sisters; Maria Antonia Villarreal, and Nora Briones.
He is survived by his beloved wife Hilda S. Villarreal, his sons; Ruben Lee (Yolanda) Villarreal, Oscar Noe (Corina) Villarreal, stepsons; Arnoldo Sanchez Jr., Samuel Sanchez, daughters; Veronica Villarreal, Valerie Villarreal, Kimberly J. Villarreal, Brandey A. Villarreal, Jessica Renee Villarreal, his twin sister Ruby (Polo) Navarrette, sisters: Librada (Jesus) Rodriguez, Mary (Dennis) Hall, Janie (Andrew) Rodriguez, Rita (Carti) Yzquierdo, Elizabeth Poarch, brothers; Joe A. (Dora) Villarreal, Frank C. (Janie) Villarreal, and six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Serving as Pall Bearers will be Ruben Lee Villarreal, Oscar Noe Villarreal, Arnoldo Sanchez Jr., Samuel Sanchez, A.J. Cisneros, and Dominic Ramos. Honorary pall bearers include; Joe. A Villarreal, Frank C. Villarreal.
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