It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Dad, Anthony (Tony) B. Villarreal, of Corvallis, Montana, on September 27th, 2024, at the age of 58. Tony passed unexpectedly while fishing in Dogtown Lake, Williams, Arizona. Tony was a one-of-a-kind father to his two boys. He spent his last year traveling and fishing at beautiful lakes and rivers on the West Coast. Tony was born on May 11th, 1966 to Vivian and Ben Villarreal in Vallejo, California. He grew up in Napa and graduated from Napa High School in 1984. In 1989 he met Heather Sisson. In 1993 Tony and Heather were married and left California for the Montana dream he desired for years. They went on to have two beautiful boys and spent 28 years together.
Tony worked hard his whole life either drafting homes or in construction. Beck Builders was his second family here in the Bitterroot for 18 + years and he and Paul had some great times with get-togethers and parties. These parties included participation from Tony, who wore silly outfits, and created silly shows, and skits to entertain the staff. He always participated in the silliest ways.
When Tony and Heather parted ways, Tony met Lisa McKay who he spent the last six years with. They purchased a bus and traveled to see the world and visit family. He was able to retire early, so he and Lisa began their adventure and spent approximately a year driving around the bus and enjoying retirement.
Tony loved the outdoors and loved to fish. He also loved to take the kids sledding and have sledding parties at Blue Mountain where many families would meet up and play for the day, sit next to the fire, and laugh.
Tony is survived by his two boys Anthony F. Villarreal and Gabriel H. Villarreal. He is also survived by his sister Seanna Villarreal, and his stepmother Sharon Villarreal.
Tony is preceded in death by his dad Benardo Villarreal, his mother Vivian P. (Banaag)(Villarreal) Lowery, his stepdad, Frank Lowery, and his two stepbrothers Frankie and Johnny Lowrey.
If Tony had one request, he would ask that you remember him for his amazing 4th of July parties. This was his favorite holiday and he loved the fireworks he set off in his front yard. He then would save a few for New Year’s Eve to have the next show begin again. So, when you see the fireworks on the 4th of July, please remember him and his love for the 4th with smiles and laughter.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Ron and Steve at Brothers Mortuary & Crematory for such great care and help to relieve the many burdens and hardships that came with losing Tony. There was nothing less than exceptional care with Tony and getting him home to his kids where he will be spread out across America to honor his dad’s wish to fish all 50 states. Thank you for all you do!
A memorial will be held on the 4th of July weekend 2025 to celebrate Tony’s life and love for the 4th of July, and what he meant to everyone around him. Please stay tuned for more information.