Leslie "Les" Valentine

Known as “Kenneth” throughout childhood and to his extended family, Les (a.k.a. “Mum’s favorite”) was born after the war in his childhood home in Bonnyrigg on March 10th, 1947 to parents Leslie & Alice Valentine and two waiting big sisters, Alison & Sandra. Leslie, a lorry driver, wanted his son to be a motor mechanic, but his caring and dedicated mum didn’t want her son “getting dirty” and insisted he get a position as a trainee draftsman instead.

In 1984, Les moved to the United States to work for Hunting Oil and became a naturalized Scottish American in 1988. Shortly thereafter in 1989, he married Trish Riddle and gained not only a wife, but two stepchildren, Bob & Heather Riddle, as well. Their long and happy marriage came to a close with the passing of Trish in 2017.

Les was a gregarious man and a lover of life, no matter the times. His generous spirit never faltered, easily forming friendships and strengthening community bonds. Always one to spread his gift of kindness and light, Les met his current wife Kelly Valentine in January of 2021. The pair promptly tied the knot that same summer on June 4th, 2021 near their home and beloved community at The Bandit Golf Course in New Braunfels, Texas. In this marriage he gained an additional stepchild, Andi Christensen.

A member of New Braunfels’ Peace Lutheran Church, Les is preceded in death by his late wife Trish Riddle, parents Leslie & Alice, and sister Sandra Ovenstone. He is survived by his wife Kelly Valentine and child Andi Christensen; Bob Riddle & Eddie Correa, Heather Sharp & son-in-law Royce Sharp; Jack & Senica Sharp; sister Alison Fielding; and true to Les’ positively wide reach, innumerable extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on May 30, 2026, at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa St, New Braunfels, Texas 78130, with a reception to follow.