Martin Villegas, age 40, passed away on July 5, 2026. He was born on February 1, 1986, in Plainwell, Michigan, to Crystela Villegas and Martin Villegas. One of three children and the middle child, Martin’s life was marked by a steady kindness and a generous spirit that found its way into the lives of many who knew him.
From an early age, Martin found joy in simple, shared moments—especially as a kid, when he loved playing video games with his cousin. In high school, he brought determination and pride to everything he did. He played football on the offensive line and was often seen with his war paint on for games, a small but memorable sign of how fully he showed up for his team. He also enjoyed playing the saxophone during high school. Martin graduated from Fennville High school in 2004.
After graduating Martin went directly into the work force and worked a variety of jobs. While working he also managed to take classes for massage therapy and earned his certification. Most of his working life, however, was spent as the office manager at Help at Home, where he assisted with getting nursing and healthcare support into homes. In that role, his compassion and big heart were evident in the care he took to help others find the assistance they needed.
Within his family, Martin was an amazing cousin and uncle who loved all of his cousins, nieces, and nephews like his own children. Any chance he had to show his support and love to them was a chance that he took, whether it was attending an event or just offering his time. He was the kind of person who always offered a helping hand and was there for anyone who needed him, but his family was always one of the most important things in his life.
Martin carried himself with quiet confidence and a natural charisma that those around him could feel. He loved to dance, and he never let his health keep him from what he loved to do. He had a great sense of humor and offered a steady calm to those around him. He also had a strong interest in fashion and was often the family fashionista—bringing his own sense of style and presence wherever he went.
Martin is survived by his father, Martin Villegas; his mother, Crystela Villegas; his sister, Veronica Villegas; his half-sister, Alayna Brayman; his nephew, Silas; his niece, Frankie; his nephew, Raza; his aunt, Arcelia (Noe) Rivera; his uncle, Rudy (Claudia) Garcia; his cousins, Arcelia (Thomas) Deleon-Meader, Jamie Deleon, Alma (Antonio) Echeverria, and Daniella (Christopher) Willingham.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Frances Dorardo, and his grandfather, Rodolfo Garcia.
A Celebration of life is planned for July 17, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm with a funeral service to follow beginning at 2:00 PM Both the visitation and service will be held at Lakeshore Memorial Services (11939 James St. Holland, MI 49424)
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