Fernando Favila Villela

Fernando F. Villela was born in Torreon, Coahuila but was an American citizen since his parents were born in the U.S.. He grew up in El Paso, Texas and lived in the Segundo barrio where he attended and graduated from Bowie High School. During his time here he met and fell in love with Rosa E. Blancarte. In 1968 he was drafted and went to fight in the Vietnam war where he was a point man in the infantry. These were some hard times for him but his faith in God and the Santo Nino de Atocha kept him safe and return home to his wife and daughter, Rosa and Stephanie. After his time in the Army he got out and lived in California for some time and began painting. After a few years they moved back to El Paso where he worked as a sign painter. Painting was his passion and later expanded to doing sculptures. In 2004 he achieved his life dream of obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. He loved the design of a spiral staircase and soon designed his own spiral staircase. He made a few prototypes and made a full size staircase where he had at the house for some time but now resides in the home of his son Fernando F. Villela II. Another passion he had was flying like a bird. He studied how birds fly and soon came up with a design for his own wings. He believed that he could eventually make some wings to fly like a bird but passed before he could make it a reality. He will always be remembered for his passionate heart, artistry, inventions, singing, courage, strength, and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife Rosa Villela, and his four children, Stephanie, Fernando II, Erik, and Michael. He was the grandfather of eight, Jorge, David, Bobby, Fernando III, Erik II, Marcus, Yesenia, and Michael J.. He was also the great grandfather of six Kian, Camila, Noah, Levi, Jillian, and Josephine.