[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 106 (Thursday, June 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND EMBALMER RAUL VILLEGAS, JR.

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2021

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Funeral 
Director and Embalmer Raul Villegas, Jr. (May 15, 1962--January 20, 
2021). Mr. Villegas demonstrated never-ending patience and compassion 
to the families in his community during his life.
  Mr. Villegas was born in Laredo, TX and attended J.W. Nixon High 
School. He then attended the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service 
and graduated in 1986. After that, he served his 35-year career as a 
Texas Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer dedicated to the families 
of Laredo and Webb County, Texas. During this time, he was a great team 
leader and community member. As a funeral service professional, he met 
and exceeded expectations by having ceaseless patience and sympathy. 
Mr. Villegas had the right words for every situation and was reliable 
and strong even when those around him were undergoing difficult times.
  Mr. Villegas will have an enduring impact on his family, team 
members, and all of the families in the community he served. He lived 
and worked his entire life by the principles of endless patience and 
kindness. I want to commemorate the life of Raul Villegas, Jr. and his 
numerous contributions to his community. As we move forward, let us 
take the time to appreciate Mr. Villegas and his notable life and 
career. However, in the words of President John F. Kennedy, ``As we 
express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest 
appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.''
  Mr. Villegas is survived by his beloved wife Maricela G. Villegas; 
children, Raul Villegas III (Melissa Guerrero), Marlene (Fernando 
Garza, Jr.) Villegas, David (Anabel) Villegas, Danny (Michelle) 
Villegas, Ricardo (Jessica) Ramirez, Jr., Melissa (Salvador) Silva, 
Roberto C. Ramirez (Vivian); parents, Raul and Hortencia Villegas; 
siblings, Irma (Wayo) Butron, Jerry (Lily) Villegas, Eddie (Juanita) 
Villegas, Javier Villegas, and Sammy (Anna) Villegas; 20 grandchildren; 
as well as other family and friends.
  Madam Speaker, again I rise to recognize the life and career of Raul 
Villegas, Jr.

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