Martin Villanueva passed away peacefully, holding Mandy’s hand, on February 23, 2022.
Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 pm Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Englunds Chapel. There will be no viewing prior to visitation. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 pm Monday, February 28, 2022 at Englunds Chapel. Interment will follow at Englewood Cemetery in Slaton. Arrangements are by Englunds Funeral Service of Slaton.
He was born November 22, 1979, in Slaton, TX. He enjoyed playing pranks on his brothers and sisters. As the baby of twelve siblings, he usually got away with it.
He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1998. He began his career as a Journeyman Plumber at Post Heating and Air Conditioning and continued at Armstrong Mechanical after moving to Lubbock. He took pride in his work and was a mentor to many.
His world changed forever when he met the love of his life. Martin and Mandy were married on March 30, 2002. They were still kids when they met but grew up together. Their love was genuine. They made a great team because they took pride in supporting and caring for one another. They laughed as much as they cried. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.
Their family became complete when Madison was born. She was Martin’s pride and joy. His baby girl. His sweet pea. He loved listening to Madison sing and play the piano. He was her biggest and loudest fan at every performance.
Martin was a such a big kid, especially during the holidays. He made family traditions like coloring Easter eggs, shooting fireworks, carving pumpkins, and building gingerbread houses fun. Wherever there was food, there was Martin. He had to sample everything – sometimes more than once. He loved to cook out on the grill (always well done for Mandy), and even invented his own barbecue sauce. Only Madison knows her Daddy’s secret recipe.
It didn’t matter what games we were playing, Martin wanted to win. And when his favorite teams were competing, he was all business. To say that Martin was passionate about his Houston Rockets, Michigan Wolverines, and Indianapolis Colts would be an understatement. On game days, he wore his lucky jerseys and was known to talk smack to anyone who tried to give an opinion on his team.
Martin couldn’t leave the house without bumping into someone he knew. Whether it was his neighbors, coworkers, other parents at extracurricular activities, or the guy behind him in the checkout line, Martin never met a stranger.
Martin was strong. He was a fighter. He courageously battled through obstacles that most of us can’t even imagine. Our prayers were answered in July of 2015 when he was given a new chance at life. We are forever grateful to the heart donor and their family for that precious gift. We now rejoice with them that our loved ones are completely healed.
Martin was proceeded in death by his father, Steve Villanueva, and his mother-in-law, Sandra Little. He is survived by Mandy and Madison, his mother, Emma Villanueva, along with many other family members and friends.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.