Granville Deane Villa,Lemoore native and longtime educator dies at 87

He graduated from Lemoore Union High School in 1950, where he lettered in football all four years. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War, earning several service medals. While stationed in Topeka, Kansas he married his high school sweetheart, and "girl next door," Frances Castadio.

Following his honorable discharge, they returned to Lemoore. Deane graduated from Fresno State University in 1959 with an elementary school teaching credential. He began his teaching career at Stratford Elementary School and never looked back. He soon became the principal of the Stratford Cougars where he was affectionately known as "Big Daddy Cougar." Mr. Villa coached girls track, and he was always so proud of his team. Deane loved all levels of football and was a super fan of the S.F. 49ers and the Lemoore Tigers. He also enjoyed Indy car racing and NASCAR. Deane was an outdoorsman and loved trips to Avila Beach and Huntington Lake.

Granville Deane Villa was an unassuming good man; he was a Kiwanis Club member for many years and served his community at every opportunity. Deane and Frances lived and raised their five children in Lemoore. Once retired, Deane and Frances traveled the U.S. and the world together.

Deane was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, who passed away in 2006 of pancreatic cancer.

He is survived by his sister Joan Villa of Corcoran, son Robert Villa, his daughters Julie Villa, Theresa Copeland, Mary Villa-Buck, and Lisa Villa, 9 Grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019, from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. with a Vigil Rosary Service at 6:00 P.M. at St. Peter's Church in Lemoore. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 12, 2019, also at St. Peter's Church. Burial will follow the service at Lemoore Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 or by visiting their website at www.kidneyfund.org. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel in Lemoore, CA.