Earnest "Ernie" Valdez

Ernie was born on November 7, 1958, in Levelland, Texas, to Lorenzo Valdez, Sr. and Josephine (Lopez) Valdez. He graduated from Georgetown High School and went on to work at IBM in Austin for many years. A man of deep faith and humility, Ernie was known for his love of music, his devotion to family, and his selfless spirit. He had a heart for others and was truly a man of the people. He was a faithful and active member of The Point Christian Fellowship in Temple.

On June 27, 2003, Ernie married the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” (Vasquez) Valdez, in Temple, Texas. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

Ernie is survived by his beloved wife, Becky Valdez of Temple; his three sons, Andrew Valdez of Round Rock, Eric Valdez of Austin and Joseph Velasquez and wife Bridget of Lake Worth, FL; his two daughters, Monica Haudek and husband Mike Haudek and Laurinda Paine, both of Temple; and 13 cherished grandchildren: Devin Smith and wife Madeline of Temple, Brandon Haudek and wife Baylee of Alamogordo, N.M., Derek Haudek of Temple, Andrew Paine and wife Venessa of Temple, Laurin Canava and husband Jaime of Temple, Tatyana Valdez, Akayla Valdez, and Andric Valdez, all of Cedar Park, Dezlynn Valdez of Del Valle, Eric “EJ” Valdez of Austin, Phillip Valdez of Austin, Jordan Velasquez and wife Jessica of Hutto, and Olivia Velasquez of Lake Worth, FL.

He also leaves behind 8 great-grandchildren: Joshua Paine, Jaxsen Paine, Joseph Paine, Isabelle “Izzy” Paine, Serena Velasquez, Jackson Velasquez, William Haudek, and Kash Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorenzo Sr. and Josephine Valdez; son-in-law James Paine; his sister, Irene Gonzalez; and his brother, Lorenzo Valdez, Jr.

A memorial service celebrating Ernie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at The Point Christian Fellowship, 514 North 3rd St., Temple, Texas 76501.

Ernie will be remembered for his joyful presence, unwavering kindness, and his deep love for music, faith, and family. His legacy lives on in all who were blessed to know him.

His wife, children, family and friends will continue to take the better parts of Ernie with them and continue to live life to the fullest the way he showed them how to.