Eugenio C. Villa Sr.

Eugenio Casares Villa, affectionately known as "Gene," was born November 15, 1938, in Smiley, TX, to Cruzita Casares and Manuel Villa, Sr. His journey began with challenging circumstances, losing his mother during childbirth and being raised by his aunt Francisca De Hoyos and uncle Nicolas Villa, whom he regarded as his parents, alongside his cousins Vitalia, Francisca, Francisco, and LiLe, whom he called his brother and sisters. Despite the early hardships, Gene grew up surrounded by lots of family, including his cousins and later his half-siblings after his father remarried Josefina Gonzalez and had thirteen more children: Gloria, Alicia, Oralia, Manuel Jr., Dora, Dali, Samuel, Silvia, David, Joanna, Nancy, Linda, Irene.

Gene's life intertwined with that of Petra Villanueva, whom he met in Arizona while working as migrant farm workers. Their love story blossomed, leading to their marriage on May 10, 1959. Together, they raised a large and loving family, blessed with children: Eugene JI., Armando, Ernesto, Cruzita, Margarita, Cristina, Martin, and Jaime; affectionately aka "The Walton's".

Gene's career was marked by hard work and dedication. He spent many years working for local farmers, operating various machinery, and instilling a strong work ethic in his children. Later he joined the U&I Sugar Factory in Toppenish for 18 years before dedicating three decades of service to the Granger School District. As a member of the school staff, he took on various roles, from maintenance to bus driver. His affinity for music, particularly Michael Jackson's hits, earned him the endearing nickname the, "cool bus driver" among students. He not only transported them safely to their games, but afterwards to Miners Drive-In, and made their journeys enjoyable with his style and trendy music choices.

Gene is reunited in death with his parents, Cruzita Casares, Manuel Villa, Sr., Ama Panchita, Apa Nico; brothers Francisco, David, Samuel; sisters Vitalia, Francisca, Lile; grandchildren Uriel Jr. (Villa) Mendoza, Christopher Villa; great grand-daughter Destinee Villa; Son-in-law Raul Benavidez; and numerous brothers/sisters-in-law.

Gene's passing leaves behind a legacy of strong family values, including faith, love, hard work, respect, and lot's of humor.

He has left behind a vast family tree enriched with marriages, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; This Villa Family Tree is now a "Villa Forest". Though he may have left this world, his memory will forever be cherished by those whose lives he touched and most importantly, his parting left his wife & children with the blessing of experiencing that Jesus and The Holy Spirit are real! AMEN!!

Viewing and Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm at the Smith Funeral home Chapel in Sunnyside, WA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Granger, WA with burial to follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA. Those wishing to sign Eugenio’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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