Estaquio M. Valdez, 75, of Victoria, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021 at home. He was born in Yorktown, Texas to the late Reymundo and Geronima Martinez Valdez on September 20, 1945. Estaquio worked as a drywall installer for Midway Drywall for many years.
Estaquio was the best dad & grandpa ever! He would always whistle little tunes and always in a good mood and willing to help anyone in need. He was creative, always had an idea about making something better & he could build beautiful things. He would hum a little tune when he smelled good food and would continue while eating food. That's when we knew it was dad approved! He was better than Yelp or Google Maps when it came to finding somewhere to eat & how to get there; and it didn't matter what part of Texas you were in or driving to, he could help. He always knew someone that could help you find a job, car or recommend someone looking for work and he always wanted to be as helpful as possible to anyone in need. Our house was always open to anyone who wanted to eat, visit or come by for advice and was the best guidance counselor you never really knew you needed. He could be patient teaching you anything and if you knew him really well he could be very colorful with his choice of words (he would be rolling his eyes). He loved being outdoors, getting up early for a good breakfast & had the most entertaining stories. Going on trips or vacation was special because he would leave early just to watch the sunrise. His smile was contagious, he could always put a smile on your face and reassure that prayer works "Porque Dios es muy grande".
In his own words, "If God calls me, I'm going to answer. I've lived a happy life, I took care of my family, made sure y'all finished school, I got to travel to a lot of different places, enjoyed life and had a lot of fun. I got to see all my grandkids grow up. I'm proud of all of you!! So when it's my time... ya! Estoy listo. I'll only be sad to leave your mom here."
Dad taught us everything we ever needed to know, except how to be without him. He built his legacy in us and we in turn have passed it to our children. So, although he's traveled ahead to prepare for our arrival, pieces of him continue to live on in ourselves and our children.
We will forever hold you dear to our hearts dad, God bless you. You've set a wonderful example for us to follow. You know how much we loved & adored you. Until we meet again! Your loving wife Lupe and girls Betty, Julia & Ann Margaret.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sisters; Aurora Perez, Sophia Hernandez, Paula Vega, Angela Perez, and brothers; Joe Valdez, Julian Valdez, Frank Valdez, Samuel Valdez, and Leonardo Valdez.
Estaquio is survived by his wife; Guadalupe Menchaca Valdez, daughters; Betty (Luis R.) Echeveste, Julia (Ralph) Montes, Ann Margaret (Michael) Gonzales, and Vanita Cheeves, whom he loved equally as a daughter, grandchildren; Jaime Echeveste, Luis A. Echeveste, Arnold Rosas, Alonzo Rosas, Gabriella Gonzales, Jacquelyn Gonzales, Christian Gonzales, and Matthew Gonzales, sisters; Victoria Garza, and Maria Mendoza, brothers; Ismael Valdez, Sr., and Benito Valdez, Sr., all of whom will cherish his memory.
Visitation was from 5-7 pm, followed by Rosary at 7 pm, on Monday, June 7, 2021, all at Rosewood Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 10 am, at Holy Family Catholic Church, with interment immediately following at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Christian Gonzales, Matthew Gonzales, Arnold Rosas, Alonzo Rosas, Luis A. Echeveste, and Jaime Echeveste.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in his honor to Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Ave, Victoria, Texas 77901. www.hospiceofsouthtexas.org.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
