Juan Paulo Villaseñor

Juan Paulo Villaseñor passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 92, surrounded by loving family. The midwife-assisted birth of Juan Paulo was a blessed family addition on June 26,1931 to his loving parents, Dolores Ortiz and Victoriano Villaseñor in San Antonio, Texas. His older sister, Camilla, taught Juan to walk. His older brothers, Eliseo and Manuel, took him swimming in the Salado Creek of Pecan Valley. Later brothers Joe, Victoriano and Jesse joined their boyish adventures – and beloved sisters, Esther and Maria Dolores, the youngest, were among Juan’s lifelong favorite people.

In 1954, Juan married the love of his life and best friend, Jewell Ledbetter, whom he lovingly called “Judy”. They welcomed children John (Bonnie), Stela (Bob Allen), Dolores, Daniel and Steve (Janie) to share their joy.

A humble Christian, Juan was a union worker for Great Lakes National Steel in Michigan for 44 years.

One of God’s most faithful warriors, Juan was a self-taught philosopher, inventor, cook and woodworker who loved roadrunners, his dogs, reading, singing and exploring the outdoors. He joined the Army when he became of age – and before his military disability, he played baseball and trained as a paratrooper. Throughout life, Juan was a fisherman, hunter, baseball player, handyman, gardener, mechanic and tinkerer.

Juan is preceded in death by many friends & family members who passed long ago, including his wife, “Judy”; both parents, Victoriano and Dolores; sister, Camilla, who passed from a childhood illness; all his brothers; cousin, Pete Villaseñor, who was like a brother and friend to him, and dear friend, George Borrego.

Left to cherish his memory are his 5 loving children; sisters, Maria Villaseñor and Esther Arredondo; beloved grandchildren, Lisa, Toni Lynn, John, Tierra, Talyn, Reed, Angela, Jessica, Paul, Christina, Erika, Rachel and Brenda; 25 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren and many cherished nieces and nephews, who were loved beyond measure, beyond time.

Much gratitude to his longtime caregivers & companions including: his surviving sisters, his children, nieces & nephews, and his recently deceased brother-in-law, Arturo. May God bless you all for your loyal service and kindness! Long live the loving memories of this generous man of God, man of Prayer!

Memorial donations may be made to Sunny Slope Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas, or an organization of your choice.