David M. Valdez

David M. Valdez, 83, of Bloomington, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Victoria. He was born in Victoria, Texas to the late Cruz and Natalia Valdez on October 6, 1942. David worked as the Chief Powerhouse Control Room Operator at Alcoa from which he retired after 36 years. David served in the United States Army from May 26, 1964 to May 25, 1966. While serving he was a member of the Hq Co 2nd Battalion 67th Armor Division, also known as “Hell on Wheels”, while stationed in Fort Hood, Texas.

David was raised in Bloomington by his grandmother, Nabora Martinez, whom he cherished deeply, along with his aunts, Consuelo Martinez Rubio, Martha Martinez, and Goya Martinez Snider.

David was married for 57 years to the love of his life, Irene G. Valdez, who passed away in August 2025. They were married on August 10, 1968, by the Justice of the Peace at the Palladium in Port Lavaca and to this union four children were born.

David is preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene G. Valdez, infant son, Ralph Valdez, father, Cruz Valdez, mother, Natalia Martinez Valdez, brother, John Valdez, sisters, Olga Valdez Vasquez and Lydia Thomson, grandmother, Nabora Martinez, aunts, Consuelo Martinez Rubio, Martha Martinez, and Goya Martinez Snider.

David is survived by his daughter, Rachel Valdez, son, David “Roland” Valdez and his wife Mary, and daughter, Rebecca Barrios and her husband David, grandchildren, Marcus Castillo, Joseph Castillo, India Castillo, David “Wedo” Barrios, III, Chris Barrios and Ryan Valdez, brothers, Israel Valdez, Joe Valdez and his wife Elizabeth, and Sam Valdez and his wife Mary. David held a special place in his heart for his first cousins, whom he treated like younger siblings, Clarence Snider, Dorothy Snider Hodges, Robert Snider, John Snider and Mary Snider.

He also leaves behind numerous extended family and friends, all of whom will cherish his memory. All his co-workers at the Powerhouse who kept the lights on at ALCOA. Also, a special group of friends that attended “Friday Night Lights” on the grit iron and “Field of Dreams” on the baseball diamond and last, but not least, his round table pals at local restaurants in Port Lavaca and Victoria.

The family would also like to thank the employees at the DaVita Dialysis Center, Dr. Khiem Q. Vu and staff, Dr. Chelif Junor and staff, Citizen’s Hospital and Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center of Compassion, for the top notch care Dad received with the ut most dignity and respect.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his honor to Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center of Compassion, 1005 Mallette Drive, Victoria, Texas 77904.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 3-4 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 4 pm, all at Rosewood Funeral Chapel in the Regency Chapel.