Raul Villarreal, Jr.

Raul "Lou" Villarreal Jr., 68, of LaPorte, IN, passed away surrounded by love and music. Raul was born in E. Chicago, IN, and lived a life marked by dedication, laughter, and an unmistakable zest for life that touched all who knew him.

Raul's early life was not easy, but he found reprieve in music and literature. He excelled in swimming, football, and baseball throughout his high school years. Raul also had a love for boxing, which came in handy when he witnessed others being bullied. 

Following his passions, a strong sense of duty and terrible timing led him to serve honorably in the Marines during Vietnam; a portion of his life he would rarely speak in depth about. 

Professionally, Raul's journey was diverse and rich. Each role he held was marked by his hard work, reliability, and the easy camaraderie he shared with his coworkers. 

Beyond his professional life, Raul was passionate about bowling, playing the guitar, and playing harmonica; talents that brought joy not only to him but to everyone around him. Raul loved nothing more than singing and playing music around a fire while his loved ones joined in. He also threw a mean horseshoe. 

Known for his love of a good beer and great popcorn, Raul's simple pleasures in life were a reminder of the joy found in everyday moments. All who were lucky enough to experience his homemade popcorn will tell you, he made the best in the world. 

Raul was preceded in death by his father Raul Sr., mother Faith, brother David, best friend "Biggie," and nephew Shayne. 

He leaves behind a legacy of music, laughter, and soapbox speeches on everything from politics to aliens with his sisters Cyndi, Linda, Lori, and Vicki, his children Jordan and Andrea, his grandson Alec, his nieces and nephews: Greg Jr., Tyson, Rachel, Joe, Jake, Holly, Alison, Ryan, Renee, Hector, Miranda, Ramona, and Charles, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. 

"Papa" Raul will also be missed by Evan, Grayson, Bella, Cassie, Cait, Connor and family. 

Raul had a soft spot for animals and underdogs. He always did his best to protect the ones he loved. He was generous to a fault. He was well-read and loved a good debate. He had a special knack for winning every argument, by merely never admitting defeat.

Raul's life was a testament to living on one's own terms, a philosophy he embraced fully. While his terms brought both joy and challenges, it was his jovial (yet sometimes antagonistic) personality and musical talents that will be remembered most fondly.

In true Raul fashion, the family requests that in lieu of flowers or gifts, you grab a good meal with your family, share a laugh, enjoy a song, and live life to the fullest, as he would have wanted.

A Celebration of Raul's Life will take place at 3:00 p.m. E.S.T. Saturday, April 13, 2024 in the New Carlisle Funeral Home.  A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. E.S.T. Saturday in the funeral home.

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