84R25190 CJM-D
By: Gutierrez H.R. No. 2518
R E S O L U T I O N
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.