David Lee Valdez, 65, of Lampasas, Texas, died peacefully on April 8, 2024 with family at his side. Born on Dec. 18, 1958, in Harlingen, Texas to Ignacio C. and Andrea Valdez, he was the third child in a family of 10 children. The family moved to Chicago when he was young. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1977, from Goshen College in Indiana in 1981, with a degree in psychology, and he also attended Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He loved sports and had a passion for baseball, which he played in both high school and college. He passed his sports passion to his grandson, Magglio, along with his favorite phrase, “It’s a can of corn.”
He married Leticia Hernandez in 1984 and had Timothy, Stephanie Valdez and Ashley Mandujano. He married Maria Tirado in 1996 and gained a step-daughter, Erica Tirado. He worked for Oak Park and River Forest High School in various roles for over 25 years. The family moved to Texas at the end of 2014.
He loved studying the Bible and writing. He loved to share his faith with loved ones and others he came in contact with.
David was preceded in death by his father, Ignacio Sr.; two infant brothers, Ricky and Ricky; and his sister, Josie. He is survived by his wife, Maria; his son, Timothy Valdez; his daughter, Stephanie Valdez (Alex Gutierrez); his grandchildren, Magglio and Danielle Gutierrez; his step-daughter, Erica Tirado; his mother, Andrea Valdez; his brothers, Ignacio Valdez Jr. and Moses Valdez; and his sisters, Cindy Litwiller (Richard), Nora Umlor (Paul), Diane Ciancanelli (John), and Joy Pappas (Dean). He had 11 nieces and nephews.
Services were held on April 17 at Casey and Rios Funeral Home, 4540-50 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, and April 18, followed by a procession to Elm Lawn and Arlington Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the family for expenses.
