Hector Jose Valdez

Hector Jose Valdez was born in Eagle Pass, TX on November 25, 1949, to Jesus and Manuela Guerraera Valdez. He was the 5th of 7 children. He passed from this life on August 21, 2021, in Lakeway, Tx at the age of 71. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, brother, Jesus Valdez Jr, sister, Lula Gomez, brother, Adolfo Valdez. He is survived by Betty Valdez, his wife of 49 years, his children, Janice & son-in-law Tom Eppler and son, Anthony Valdez. Siblings, Dora Minton, Rolando Valdez, Rosa Villapando, 7 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Hector spent his childhood in Eagle Pass where he was known as “Chino” due to his curly hair. He graduated from Eagle Pass High School and moved to San Antonio in 1969 to attend Community College. While working at Food Way, he met his forever “heart”, Betty Najera, and they quickly became an “item”. In July 1970, he proudly enlisted into the U.S. Airforce, following in the footsteps of his two elder brothers. He was immediately shipped off to spend the cold winter in South Dakota which was a shock to this kid from the Texas border town. He was then stationed in DaNang, Vietnam for a year (‘71-’72), where he would later say that God spared his life several times.

Upon his return, on May 6, 1972, he married the love of his life, Betty, and was stationed at Bergstrom Airforce Base in Austin TX. Their two children were born in Austin and he was proud to work as a computer programmer for the University of Texas and later, The State of Texas. Burnt Orange was his favorite color... Hook ‘Em!

From an early age, Hector loved God and he always desired more! In 1980, he was filled with the Holy Ghost in Austin, TX and was later baptized in Jesus’ name and he was never the same. His hunger for the truth of God's Word was powerful. He always took his family to church. He wanted to be a missionary, he loved sharing Jesus with anyone and made people feel special with his quiet manner, easy smile and rolling laugh. His desire for the Lord led him on a journey and over the years he had friends from churches all over the world.

Hector loved working outdoors. He was a horse trainer, a rancher, a gardener, a builder, a mechanic, a fisherman.

He also couldn’t pass up a “good deal”, or a pawn shop. If you needed something, he probably had one and would lend it to you.

He gave to his community in many ways and he excitedly threw himself into training to join the Spicewood Volunteer Fire Dept.

The highlight of his life was his 7 grandchildren. He loved to play!

He was a proud “Lito” to Cole, Emily, Andrew, Matthew, William, Abigail, and Cruz. He was also an “honorary Lito” to many more. He was “Fun Tio Chino/Uncle Hector” to his many nieces and nephews.

And most of all he loved to Worship. Much of his travel in the last few years centered around U.P.C.I. conferences where he could be in the presence of Jesus and be with his brothers and sisters in the Lord. He said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain”.

He WAS ready! And he wanted YOU to be ready! He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, especially his beloved family.