Esequiel Valdez

September 23, 1941 — December 20, 2025

Esequiel (Zeke, Telo) Valdez Sr., a devoted husband, father, brother, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 85. A lifelong Roman Catholic and a man of unwavering faith, Esequiel most recently attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Odessa, Texas.

Early Life and Military Service

Born in Torreon, Mexico, to Leopoldo Valdez and Enriqueta Cordova de Valdez, Esequiel learned the value of hard work early. As the eldest of his siblings, he grew up working in his father’s dry cleaners, sweeping floors, sorting and pressing clothes, and eventually driving delivery trucks. After pursuing a technical education in electronics repair, Esequiel was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. His younger brother Polo once stated that he was “our family hero”.

He served with great honor, achieving the rank of Sergeant E-5. His military commendations included the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, and designations as a Sharpshooter and Expert Marksman.

He recently flew to Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight, joined by his son-in-law Louis.

A Legacy of Devotion

Four months after his honorable discharge on December 28, 1965, Esequiel married the love of his life, Maria Esther Rivera, on April 14, 1966. Together they built a life centered on sacrifice and love until her passing from cancer in 2012.

When his father died unexpectedly three years later, Esequiel selflessly stepped into the role of patriarch. He took over the family business, cared for his mother’s rental properties, and became a father figure to his younger siblings. His devotion to his mother, Enriqueta, was legendary; even after moving her to El Paso, he honored her every week, calling her every single Sunday without fail until her final day.

Career and Character

In 1978, seeking a better future for his family, Esequiel moved to Odessa. He began a long and respected career as a mechanic at El Paso Products. He remained a steady fixture at the plant through its transitions to Rexene and Huntsman, eventually retiring in 2001.

Esequiel was a man who "dropped everything" for his family. Whether it was a home repair or a personal crisis, he was the first to arrive and the last to leave. His life was a testament to the idea that love is an action, not just a word.

Survivors and Legacy

Esequiel is now reunited with his beloved wife, Maria Esther Valdez; his parents, Leopoldo and Enriqueta; and his sisters Matilde Valdez and Graciela Sullivan.

His legacy lives on through his family:

• Children: Esequiel Valdez Jr. (Becky), Leticia Nuñez (Louis), Joe David Valdez, and Ricardo Valdez (Sylina).

• Grandchildren: Christian Florez, Jacinda Florez, Brianna Florez, Veronica Valdez, Isaiah Valdez, and JohnPaul Valdez.

• Siblings: Maria Luisa Valdez (Warren, IN); Martha Rodriguez (Gabriel), Leo Valdez (Barbara), and Jose Valdez, all of Odessa; and Elizabeth Tapia (Miguel) of El Paso.

Final Arrangements

Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Esequiel will be laid to rest at Ector County Cemetery in The Los Angeles Garden, where he will receive military honors for his service to his country.