Raynel Larry Valdez

Funeral services for Raynel Larry Valdez will be at 11am Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at Cunnick-Collins Mortuary, Davenport. Burial will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery; along with a luncheon at The Vineyard Church of Davenport at 12:30pm. Family will greet friends on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, from 4pm-7pm, at Cunnick-Collins Mortuary. On Thursday, April 2, 2015, Raynel Larry Valdez, “Uncle Cookie”, 59, went peacefully to heaven with family by his side. Raynel was born in Cortez, Colorado but was raised in Davenport, Iowa. He was a graduate of Davenport Central in 1974. After high school, he worked for Oscar Meyer for many years before he ventured into semi-truck driving.Growing up, he was a handful as a child, teenager and one might say, as an adult too. Most people who know Raynel have a story to tell. He was a man who did what he loved, followed his heart, and spoke his mind. Raynel cared deeply for his animals, friends and family. He loved to tell people a joke and make them laugh. Once you knew Raynel, he was hard to forget. He had a personality that could break down walls, even when you weren’t paying attention. One of Raynel’s other loves was riding his motorcycles, racing fast cars and attending Sturgis. He was an avid runner and participated in the Bix race for many years. One of his favorite past times was going down to King’s Harvest to see friends, have a good meal and play euchre with his buddies. The holidays were not complete for Raynel unless he had a big scoop of his mother Elsie’s cranberry salad. Lastly, Raynel loved watching the Hawkeye’s play football while enjoying a strawberry margarita on the rocks. Raynel not only loved people but also his church. He was an usher for many years at Saint Anthony’s Church in Davenport, Iowa.Raynel is survived by his mother, Elsie and Step-Father Raymond Starken; Father, Julian Valdez; Sisters Julie Henson; Carol Williams (Stanley); Nieces, Amanda Williams (Terry); Alyssa and husband Jesse Valdez-Quinlan; Nephews, Eric Williams and wife Katie (Isabella and Evan); Travis Phillis (Kate).He was proceeded in death by his brother, Mark Valdez; Sister, Angie Phillis; Brothers-in-law, Brian Phillis and Scott Henson. Memorials can be made to the family.