It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Evelio Villarreal during emergency surgery in Allen. We ask that you keep his family in your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
Evelio Villarreal was a dedicated and beloved music educator with a career spanning over 40 years. He recently retired as Director of Bands at Plano East High School, where he also served as the cluster leader for the East Cluster Band Program. Prior to that, he was Associate Director at Plano East. Throughout his career, Mr. Villarreal contributed his talents as a percussion instructor, performer, and band director across multiple school districts, including Plano, Duncanville, Austin, and San Angelo.
A proud alumnus of Angelo State University (B.M., Music Education, 1988) and Texas A&M University-Commerce (M.M., Music Education, 1999), Evelio was deeply committed to music education and student development. He was an active leader in the music education community, serving as President of Alpha Chapter – Texas, and was honored with the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award, recognizing his outstanding support of extracurricular student programs.
In 2013, he received an Honorary Lifetime Membership from the Plano East PTA. Beyond his teaching career, Evelio maintained an active schedule as a band consultant, clinician, and adjudicator. He was an educational artist/endorser for Innovative Percussion, Incorporated and a contributing author to the band method book Essential Musicianship for Band published by Hal Leonard Corporation.
Evelio Villarreal’s passion, dedication, and influence on countless students and colleagues will be remembered and cherished. His legacy in music education will continue to inspire future generations.
The Celebration of Life for Dad Evelio Villarreal is scheduled for Friday July 11th at 11:00AM at Custer Road United Methodist Church: 6601 Custer Rd, Plano, TX 75023.
