José (Joe) Villalobos

José Villalobos was born to Felipa Torres Villalobos and Refugio Villalobos on July 23, 1954, in Lockhart , Texas. At birth, he was not expected to survive but his mother kept him alive by feeding him with an eyedropper. Under his family”s care and that of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR), he lived for 54 years with cerebral palsy. He pa

ssed away peacefully at 6 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2007, in Austin.
The memorial service and scattering of his ashes took place on Aug. 18, 2007, at Oakview Baptist Church in Lockhart, Texas, with Rev. Sanchez presiding. All those who gathered in his memory recounted José”s love for Dr. Peppers, hamburgers, sports and the oldies. The family expressed gratitude to TDMHMR”s programs and resident homes, especially to the staff at the Corona House for their loving care. Under the state”s supervision he remained active throughout his life, taking excursions to the mall, park, special events and participating in swimming and music courses. They also thanked Elias and Lena Villalobos, who assumed primary care for José upon his mother”s death.
He is survived by the following siblings: Maria Galarza, Cruz Bermudez, Martha Galligan, Luisa Silvas, Refugio Villalobos, Jr., Marcus Villalobos, Roy Villalobos, Leonor Espinoza, Connie Smith, Elias Villalobos, Juan Villalobos, Beatrice Ramirez, Rebecca Moreno, Ruben Villalobos and Olivia Debourque.