MSGT Luis Valdez Jr.

Master Sergeant Valdez was surrounded by family when he passed away at the young-at-heart age of 78 on June 9, 2017 in New Braunfels, Texas. He arrived as the firstborn son of Luis and Luz (Balderas) Valdez on January 3, 1939 in New Braunfels, Texas. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents; sisters Sophia Camareno, Ofelia Martinez, Maria Garza, Hortencia Balandran; brother Rueben Valdez; and grandson, Luis Valdez IV.

He is survived by his former wife, Georgia Workman; son Luis Valdez, III (Christine); daughter Fay Silva (Juan); wife of 47 years, Francisca (Martin) Valdez of Cadiz, Spain; daughters Monica and Melinda Valdez; sisters Rosa Vargas, Grace Rodriguez (Pasqual); brothers Juan Valdez (Lupe), Arturo Valdez, Rojelio Valdez; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

MSGT Valdez graduated from Marine Corps Recruitment Training at San Diego, CA in March 1967 and was given the honor of serving with 1st Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA. He was then transferred to the Republic of Vietnam, and was awarded two Purple Hearts for wounds suffered during combat. In September 1968, he reported to Marine Wing Communications Squadron - 38, El Toro, CA. He was transferred to Marine Barracks, Rota, Spain in March 1969, where upon first seeing his future wife for the first time, told his friends he wanted to meet her in order to make her his wife as quickly as possible. The newlyweds were transferred to Marine Wing Headquarters Group 3, El Toro, CA; 3rd Force Service Regiment in Okinawa, Japan; Inspector-Instructor Staff at Willow Grove, PA; 1st Marine Brigade, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, HI; Inspector-Instructor Staff, Abilene, TX; Marine Wing Communications Squadron -18, Okinawa, Japan; and Headquarters and Support Battalion, M.C.B., Camp Pendleton, CA until his retirement.

Among MSGT Valdez's many personal decorations, his most cherished were the Purple Heart Medal with one star, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Achievement Medal.

Upon his retirement from the USMC, he served with the Comal County Sherriff's Department until 2001. He graciously served his community as a volunteer with several social services organizations, and was highly regarded as a longtime leader and mentor by the many people he guided throughout the years. He loved anything and everything to do with the Marine Corps, and was a proud member of the Heart of Texas Marines, enjoying monthly breakfasts with fellow Marines.

He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys, catching up with NBHS classmates, attending Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, tending to his gardens, seeking adventure by traveling the globe with his wife, and enjoying laughs and making memories with his friends and family, especially happy to entertain all the new babies and toddlers who grew his family. He never met a stranger, bringing smiles and humor to all he encountered, happy to share his love for life. He cherished a lifelong passion for reading, especially historical references and wartime events. He never allowed his wife or children to forget how much he loved them, never hesitating to show his unconditional love at every opportunity.

His wife and children wish to thank all the family and friends for their outpouring of support and prayers during his stay in the ICU, and in the days following his passing. His family will miss him dearly, waiting for the day to be reunited with his bright smile and endearing laugh once again. Until then we will keep his spirit alive and well in our hearts, happy to recount all the joyous memories he brought to our life.

Viewing will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 10 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at 11:30 at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.