Obituary of Daniel Villarreal

Daniel "Dan" Villarreal was born March 18, 1960, in Dalhart, Texas to Mary and Lonnie Villarreal and passed away on Aug.15th, 2023.
 

He had a typical childhood filled with faith, friends, school and football.

Dan learned a strong work ethic at an early age by helping his Dad in the carpet business, having a paper route, raising sheep for FFA, working at a gas station and slinging cow hides. As a youth, he and his brother Fabian also helped build the family home.
   

Dan had a passion for football, and he competed in Jr.High, High School and as a "walk on" at Panhandle State . Dan graduated with a teaching degree  from Panhandle State and went on to become a middle school and  high school football coach in Texas.
Dan was also a dedicated Sooners fan and was able to take in several Championship games!  BOOMER!! SOONER!!

While getting ready for playing football Dan discovered a talent for weightlifting. He was honored with an invitation to go to Russia to compete in a powerlifting competition. He scored his  personal best of 661.2lbs at that time. His nickname was "muscles".
     

After tiring of dealing with the politics associated with coaching football, Dan decided to go into the military. He served as a Navy Medic with a portion of his time served with the Marines. He was considered the "old man" of his outfit when he joined at 31 years old. He was extremely proud to have served in the Military.
    

Dan had an exceptional mind. He could retain and recall  information with precision. It could be anything... from who was where, what they were wearing and  what was said, clear back to grade school... lyrics to songs ,when the song came out and who all the band members were; to knowing complicated medical procedures and mastering the appropriate equipment.

Speaking of bands, Dan loved his Big Hair music! I think he missed his calling as a Kiss band member!!
    

Dan married Cora Lambert while serving in the military and to that union, three children were born. Allison, Caitlyn, and Daniel Jr. His kids were the light of his life. That union ultimately ended in divorce and Dan married his "honey" Liz Pitkin-Meyer and became "Dad" to Casey, Jake and Daniel Meyer.

Dan was a 4th Degree Knight and was very active in the Knights of Columbus and started programs that are still in effect at various parishes he served in. He was the first Faithful Navigator at St. Elizabeth’s Parish in Texas.

After his military service, Dan was employed with various hospitals, the last one being Dell Childrens Hospital in Austin, Texas where he worked in the Cath Lab as a Cardiovascular Technologist.
When he retired from the Medical field, he came to Idaho, where a job  as a firearms inspector  at Cabela’s was waiting for him. Dan loved his guns. 

Dan also loved riding his Harleys! His wife Liz created a monster when she let him ride hers when he came to Idaho for a visit!  He had ridden motorcycles in his youth but dreamed of owning a Harley. He kept upgrading until he achieved the one he really wanted... "The Red Rocket", A Harley CVO Streetglide.

He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Jr. Dan is survived by his parents, Lonnie and Mary Villarreal of El Paso, TX; his wife and "Honey", Liz Meyer-Villarreal of Caldwell, ID; children: Allison Villarreal and Caitlyn Villarreal of Pflugerville, TX; stepsons: Casey (Ashley)Meyer and their children, Alena and Thoren of Mt Home, ID, Jake Meyer of Eagle, ID, Daniel (Marah) Meyer and their son, Everett  of Nampa, ID; siblings: Veronica (Mark) Nunnery of El Paso, TX, Fabian Villarreal of Maui, HI, Cynthia Villarreal of El Paso, TX and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
 

Dan was loved by many...
"Always and Forever."
"Never Forget".