:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/J4UUGPVM6SDPD3QXYIWXHGNDQI.jpg)
STERLING – John Paul Villegas, 26, of Sterling, died Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, at his home.
John Paul was born Jan. 24, 1989, in Sterling, the son of Manuel Villegas Jr. and Lonna (Slusser) Lira. He was a 2007 graduate of Sterling High School. John Paul was a member of the 2005 football Hall of Fame team. He was employed for about 3 years by Lutheran Social Services as a direct support assistant. John Paul was an avid Chicago Bears and Ohio State fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing video games, and most recently, kayaking. John Paul loved being with his family and friends, and he loved his dogs, Ace and Kiki.
Survivors include his father, Manuel Villegas Jr. of Sterling; his mother, Lonna (David) Lira of Sterling; maternal grandparents, Jim and Cindy Moorehead of Rock Falls and Troy Slusser of Lyndon; one sister, Jamie Villegas of Sterling; two brothers, Jessie and Justice Lira of Sterling; one stepsister, Michelle Lira of Sterling; four stepbrothers, David Lira of Sterling, John Lira of Louisiana, and Jason Lira and Joseph Lira, both of Sterling; special aunts, Carmen (Joe Garza Sr.) Villegas and Kellie (Denny) Schroeder, both of Sterling; aunts, Lory Moore of Salem, Oregon, and Allison Purkapile of Rock Falls; six uncles, Evaristo Villegas of Dixon, Troy Slusser of Rock Falls, Tim (Wendy) Moorehead of Utah, James Moorehead of Fairbury, Daniel Purkapile of Rock Falls, and Brock (Monica) Slusser of California; and many cousins, with a special mention to Vanessa Villegas, Kelsey Schroeder, and Justin Villegas.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Manuel and Maria Villegas Sr.; two uncles, John Villegas and Miguel Villegas; and one aunt, Mary Olade.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Ave., Rock Falls. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Adalberto Sanchez officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.