Obituary of Steven DaMon Villanueba

Steven Villanueba, 50, of Milliken, Colorado, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 5, 2021 at his home in Milliken. Steven was born in Denver, Colorado to Cheryl (Mead) Bradley on March 1, 1971. On September 5, 2006 in Chandler, Arizona, Steven met the love of his life, Kevin Hornbeck & they were later married in a civil ceremony on November 15, 2007. Steven’s family & friends provided the following words: UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN Those special memories of you will always bring a smile. If only I could have you back, for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again, just like we used to do. You always meant so very much, and always will too. The fact that you're no longer here, will always cause me pain, but you're forever in my heart until we meet again. With all my love, Kevin *************************************************************************************************************************** My Beautiful Brown Eyed Son On March 1, 1971 my baby boy was laid in my arms and his beautiful face brought such joy to me. On September 5th 2021 he died in my arms and I felt my heart being broken into a million pieces. Steven lived life on his own terms. He listened, but did not take advice. He was a free-spirit who lived in the present, and again, on his terms. He was a leader & he could walk in a room and brighten it with his smile. He definitely had an attitude but people loved him anyway. I have learned over the past months just how strong Steven really was. He worried so much about "me” when he was the one fighting for his life. He never wanted me to see him cry even though I knew how scared he was and how much he didn’t want to leave Kevin and his family. I stand here today with a broken heart. The loss of a child is something I could have never prepared for. Even during Steven’s last days, under insurmountable odds, I refused to prepare myself. I prayed every day for a miracle that would heal him so that I could have my handsome, brown eyed, son just one more day. Our lives will never be the same, he made sure of that. Steven I am so proud of you; you have taught me so much about life and love my beautiful brown eyed son… I love you. Mom **************************************************************************************************************************** After Steve passed, I found myself thinking about our childhood. Steve & I were buddies during our childhood. Our favorite thing was building forts. We played games & always watched Disney movies & cartoons on Saturday mornings. We also fought like brothers do. I would pick on him until he was ready to fight then I would curl up & laugh as he was pummeling me. Five minutes later we were buddies again. Steve was always the sensitive & caring one helping mom & grandma around our home. I became the outdoorsy one always gone playing with the other kids in the neighborhood while he stayed & helped out. As we got older we welcomed our little brother Caz. Steve would always want to hold & feed him & I would always want to roll him around & tickle him. Steve would always be right there making sure I wasn’t too rough. He always had that nurturing side. As we got older I spent more time outside getting into mischief & he took on the big brother role with Caz. Steve never lost that caring side of him. People could reach out to him & he’d always be there. Once we became adults we always had that smart ass relationship with each other. We’d always take our digs at each other & laugh. Steve was the best smart ass & when he added that sassiness to it he’d always make people laugh. No matter what we went through in life, we always loved & respected each other. I will always have a huge void in my heart without him here. I love you bro & miss you dearly. Until we meet again. Love, Mike **************************************************************************************************************************** Steve was more than a brother in law to me, he was my brother. One of the last things I told Steve before he passed was that 21 years ago when I married Mike I didn’t just gain a husband, I also gained a brother. He was always there for me when I needed to vent my frustrations or to just share funny stories. We shared a love of sarcasm & sarcastic humor that I will always treasure. We also shared the biggest love for our families. Steve was a good brother to me & the best uncle to my son & daughter. We were so happy when they moved back to Colorado so we could have dinner & lunch dates & holidays together again. We have so many wonderful memories of time spent as a family. He could always make me smile, or roll my eyes. I will miss his laugh, his funny text messages & his voice so much it hurts. My heart is broken. I’ve lost a piece of myself. I miss you brother, I wish we could have had more time. I’m so grateful we were there to say goodbye & tell you we love you. As much as it hurts, I’m glad your pain is gone. We will see each other again, this I know. I can hear you saying "hey sis”. I will keep you in my heart until then. I love you-Lisa ***************************************************************************************************************************** Steve and I were co-workers when we first met about 30 years ago – frankly, we didn’t like each other much. Over time, we became best friends and eventually roommates. We had some crazy fun times and did what 2 single guys do in their 20’s. As time moved on – we both went through some tough times in our lives, and even though we weren’t together as much, or even in the same city, we stayed as close as we always were. He was the first person I reached out to whenever I needed to talk to someone about ANYTHING – he always gave great advice and made me laugh. Since he passed, I still pick up my phone at least twice a day to send a text, and then the reality hits me that I can’t – but I will continue to talk to him and seek his advice, because even though he is gone from this life – I know he is looking out for me and everyone he loved. I will miss him more than I can ever put into words. I love you Steve – I’m glad you are at peace and no longer in pain – but I’m going to miss you like crazy. -Jamey ***************************************************************************************************************************** Steven is survived by his husband Kevin; mother Cheryl; step father, Edward Bradley; brothers, Michael (Lisa) Aldrich, and Cazia (Jennifer) Johnston; niece, Johanna Aldrich, nephew, Sean Aldrich; closest friend, Jamey Martin; and a large loving extended family & friends. A Celebration of Life is planned for October 2, 2021 at 1:00pm at Highlands Church, 1700 S. Grant St. Denver, Co. 80210. To leave condolences with Steven’s family visit NCCcremation.com