Francisco Gutierrez-Villa

December 1, 1930 ~ June 6, 2024

Frank was born on December 1, 1930, to Teodulo Villa-Quinones and Estefani Guttierrez-Villa in Piedras Negras, Mexico, just across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. Friends and family called him Pancho or Kiko. His death was caused by complications of Alzheimer's Disease. His parents, five brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

Frank graduated from the sixth grade in Piedras Negras in 1948 and crossed the border into the USA in 1953, applied for his passport in 1954 and became a permanent resident on February 18, 1955.

Frank married Myrtle Lois Curl of Pendleton, Oregon in Eagle Pass, Texas, on November 18, 1954, and they returned to set up housekeeping in Burbank, Washington, as Frank began his 38 year career with the Union Pacific Railroad. Frank was eventually promoted to Track Foreman and worked all over the Western USA. Frank was particularly employed in the construction of the Lyons Ferry railroad bridge.

Frank and Myrtle divorced in 1970 and shortly there after Frank bought property on 45th Avenue in Kennewick and commenced constructing the home where he lived until his passing.

Frank loved the USA and was deeply grateful for all the opportunities it had provided him to have a successful and comfortable life. He became an American citizen on May 23, 1972.

Frank retired from the Union Pacific Railroad on December 1, 1992, and spent the next 30 years enjoying his grandchildren, gardening, visiting local friends and family and traveling to Texas and Mexico to visit his extended family there.

He is survived by his children Glenda Rockwell of Kennewick, WA; Vicky Merry of Lowden, WA; Frank Jr. Villa of west Union, CC; Lisa Sandberg of Milton-Freewater, OR; Steven Villa of Moses Lake, WA; and Oscar Allen Villa of Kennewick, WA; fourteen grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; sister Rosa Marta Rodriguez of Eagle Pass, TX; brother Jose "Pepe" Villa of Piedras Negras, Mexico; two step siblings Rosa and Ricardo of Piedras Negras, Mexico; and seven half siblings Berta of San Antonio, TX, Leticia and Juanita of Piedras Negras, Mexico, Carlos of Uvalde, TX, Dora and Rosa Marta of Eagle Pass, TX, and Oscar of Piedras Negras, Mexico.

We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation for the many years of care given to our father by Dr. Jennifer Smith.