TITLE: In memory of Heraclio "Laco" Villarreal.

SUMMARY: In memory of Heraclio "Laco" Villarreal.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The family and friends of Heraclio "Laco" L. Villarreal are mourning the loss of this beloved gentleman, who passed away on April 7, 2015, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, Laco Villarreal was born on November 15, 1932, to Heraclio and Gregoria Villarreal; possessed of great courage and initiative, he joined the U.S. Army in 1952 and served his country until 1955; and WHEREAS, Mr. Villarreal met the love of his life, Christel Kopke, while stationed in Berlin, and he brought her with him to Texas when he returned home from Germany; the couple exchanged the vows of matrimony in Cotulla in 1956, and over the course of a rewarding marriage that spanned nearly six decades, they were blessed with three children, Anita, Steven, and Karen, and later with four cherished grandchildren; and WHEREAS, After retiring from the military, Mr. Villarreal pursued a career as a transit worker and became a valued member of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 694; he was also a skilled woodworker and constructed a number of pieces that delighted his family; and WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Laco Villarreal will always remember his strength, his humility, and his devotion to his loved ones, and he will forever hold a treasured place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Heraclio "Laco" Villarreal and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Christel Kopke; to his daughters, Anita Pitts and Karen Villarreal; to his son, Steven Villarreal; to his four grandchildren; to his sisters, Margarita Ondarza and Maria Alvarado; to his brother, Raymundo Villarreal; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Heraclio "Laco" L. Villarreal. Gutierrez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2518 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 21, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House