Jose Marcos Valenzuela, 82, a resident of Stafford, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026. Known affectionately to family and friends as Joe or Marcos, he leaves behind a legacy defined by family, faith, service, and a permanently positive outlook on life.
Born on January 26, 1944, in Hidalgo, Texas, Joe was the youngest of eight children born to Juan and Cruz Valenzuela. He grew up in Harlingen, Texas, and graduated from Harlingen High School. In 1965, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving with distinction in the submarine force. He carried a deep sense of pride for his military service and the distinct mental toughness it required to serve underneath the waves. During his station assignment, he married his sweetheart, Enedina "Nina" Posada Valenzuela, beginning a beautiful journey together that lasted 61 years.
As parents, Joe and Nina raised their three boys to believe in God, strong family values, kindness, and integrity. Joe was a deeply devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Stafford.
An outgoing man who truly loved meeting people, Joe enjoyed striking up conversations, talking about politics, and spreading his infectious optimism. He was also an avid fan of Houston sports, passionately cheering on the Oilers, Texans, and Astros. When he wasn't watching a game, he could often be found working on his swing at the local driving range or out on the golf course with his boys, happily letting the big dawg run. But family is what he treasured most, never missing a sporting event or family function, ready with a joke or a hug, and ready for dessert. A sweet tooth is hereditary. Even in his final days, Joe faced his health challenges with remarkable resilience, never giving up hope of returning to his old self.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Nina; his three sons, Joe Jr. (Nancy), James (Jovita), and John (Connie); and a family blessed with numerous grandchildren, Marcos III, Jessica, Breanne (John), James Jr. (Melisa), Justin (Daisy), Mark, and Lexi, great-grandchildren, Jameson, Parker, Roman, and Sophia, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother and sisters.
The Valenzuela family wishes to extend a special thank you for the exceptional care and support received from home health aide Tila with Right at Home, as well as the staff at the nursing home and the hospice care providers. Joe was deeply appreciative of all the compassion and support you provided.
His family takes comfort in knowing he has been welcomed at the pearly gates by his parents, his siblings, and his favorite four-legged buddy, Buster. Dad, may you hit all your fairways and sink all your putts. We will miss you until we meet again. We love you.
A visitation will be held at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1510 5th Street in Missouri City, on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
The Rite of Committal will follow, via funeral procession to Houston National Cemetery.
Following the Rite of Committal, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the Centennial Hall at Holy Family Catholic Church, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
