Louis Calvillo, Jr.

Louis Calvillo Jr., known to his loved ones as Jr, Uncle Lou, or Pa, passed away on April 2, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of eighty-three. Born on September 5, 1940, in El Paso, Texas, Louis was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Louis proudly served in the Marine Reserves in San Diego, CA, where he became a skilled Morse Code translator. Despite an elbow injury leading to an Honorable discharge, Louis' dedication and excellence in his military service were commendable.

Jewelry was Louis' main act for over six glittering decades. He not only worked with gems, but his family also considered him to be a gem himself. He had an eye for detail and the golden touch. His commitment and passion for his work were evident to all who knew him.

Outside of his professional life, Louis' love for football was unparalleled. His passion for the "pigskin" was as genuine as a diamond. Whether it was a Hail Mary or a flea flicker, he loved every playbook plot twist. College ball was his favorite and found immense joy following it closely. His favorite NFL teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs. When July rolled around, he would tell his wife, Football season is coming up; you know what that means. She would say, yeah, I do.  She loved to watch him enjoy his games; along with the various hand gestures and comments he would make.

His favorite pastimes were storytelling, singing, and playing guitar during family gatherings which was nearly every weekend for many years.  His family: especially his nieces and nephews loved to watch him...he had a beautiful voice, and was an excellent guitarist with a flare and passion for music.  His siblings were equally talented and took turns on guitar and at the mike. He also looked forward to and enjoyed happy hours with his friends. It was the simple things in life he was fond of and found joy in.

Louis' "Jr / Uncle Lou / Pa" smile lit up the room...his laugh was contagious, his heart; ginormous, his stories golden and endless. His family applauded him for the crazy things he once did...too many to count; and questionable at that. But who could make that stuff up? He was as genuine as they come and never skipped a beat in life or his work which he was passionate about.

His love for his grandchildren was immeasurable, evident and undeniable. His precious Granddaughter, Olivia shares…" I'll never forget the stories you told me; I will always keep them with me. I can't tell you how proud I am of you and having you as my Pa. I'll never forget the sound of your voice and the warmth of your hands. I'm so happy you had a long, beautiful life. And although you are not physically here, I know you are always with me. I'll miss you forever and love you forever. This isn't goodbye…this is a see you later. Te amo mucho pa, para ahora, mañana, siempre. (I love you so much Pa now, tomorrow, and always)"

Louis will be deeply missed by his surviving family members, including his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Virginia (Gena) Calvillo; daughter, Ann Marie Gillespie (Louis); stepsons, Bill Copeland and Aaron Pemberton (Laura); brother, Lenny Calvillo (Karen); sisters, Lorraine Calvillo and Carrie Burleigh; his 12 grandchildren; Ashley, Alex, Payton, Olivia, Bella, Gavin, Izzy, Maggie, Tyler, Noah, Tulah and Wyatt; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; as well as many dear friends whom he cherished as part of his extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Calvillo Sr., mother, Lorraine Vigil Calvillo, brothers Edward Calvillo Sr. and Ronald Calvillo, and sons, Stephen Leonard Calvillo and Thomas David Calvillo; both of whom passed at birth.

In honor of Louis' memory, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to your local Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

Louis "Jr / Uncle Lou / Pa" Calvillo, Jr. will be remembered for his compassionate heart and kind soul, his dedication, love for life, family and dear friends and the impact he made on all those around him. He will forever hold a special place and a permanent smile in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him and be in his presence.

As Louis embarks on his heavenly journey, family and friends are comforted by the promise of their faith; a faith that assures us of God's eternal kingdom in heaven where he is reunited with all the Angels who passed before him.

In God's care, we leave you, dear Louis "Jr / Uncle Lou / Pa". May your spirit continue to uplift and guide us and may your memory be a beacon of joy and inspiration to us all. With hearts full of gratitude for the beauty and love you brought to our lives; we thank you for the gift of your life…we will forever cherish our time with you on earth. In closing we say…this is just adios and not goodbye. May you rest in peace and be an eternal light that shines down upon us; until we meet again.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. – Matthew 5:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. – Revelation 21:4