Fernando Martinez Villarreal

Fernando M. Villarreal, 63, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Fernando was born to Guadalupe and Dolores Villarreal in Lubbock, Texas, on March 15, 1961.  Fernando’s family traveled to California when he was about 1 year old. Once settled in California, the Villarreal family grew to 14 children; 8 sisters and 6 brothers.

Fernando was raised in Lindsay and attended local schools. He made countless childhood friends, but most importantly, he met the love of his life and best friend Janet. Fernando and Janet shared 45 years of marriage and welcomed their first child, Fernando Jr.  In a  short time, the family grew to 6 with the births of Joaquin, Anthony, and Isaias Villarreal.
After high school, Fernando completed a vocational trade school and got certified as an Auto Body and Paint Technician. He worked various jobs in Lindsay for multiple years at the Suntreat and LoBue Packing Houses as a fork-lift driver.  He continued painting off-season and, through hard work and dedication, became head painter at Clevenger Ford in Porterville. Fernando medically retired from painting in 1998.
His passion for cars didn’t end at retirement, it only became a bigger part of his life as the Vice President of the Lindsay's Finest Car Club, which his best friend Ruben had started as teenagers.
Fernando loved the Lord, and he gave God all the glory for his healing after his many battles of sickness. He loved spending time with his family, watching his Miami Dolphin games, listening to his collection of music, and participating in cruises and car shows with his 1948 Chevy Stylemaster.

Fernando was preceded in death by his parents Guadalupe and Dolores, his sisters Sylvia Tamez and Susie “Chon” Villarreal.
He is survived by his wife Janet Villarreal and sons Fernando Jr (Sandra), Joaquin (Giovana), Anthony (Cerrina), and Isaias (Marina) Villarreal. They also have 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. 
Fernando’s brothers are David (Rosa-passed), Albert (Frances), Lupe (Monica), Richard (Elena), and Victor.  HIs sisters are Felipa Arrendondo, Lecha (Dino), Nena Baeza, Janie Sosa (Charles), Ramona Padilla (Lino), Rosemary Mestaz (Mark).  He also has numerous cousins, great aunts, and uncles. Fernando was loved very much and will be greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held at Breakthrough Church (formally known as First Baptist of Lindsay) in Lindsay on May 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

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