Louis M. Valdez

Louis M. Valdez born October 28, 1938 passed away January 28, 2020 surrounded by family. He was born in Springlake,Texas to Leonardo Valdez and Francisca (Martinez) Valdez 81 years ago. As a child Louis attended many schools, graduating from Mabton High School in 1958, directly enlisting in the Marine Corp where he served his country proudly. Louis and Ana O'Brien Valdez spent 50 years together experiencing the ups and downs of life. When things got tough Louis would always say "When I married you, I didn't promise you a rose garden". Ana would always teasingly say " But I never expected a garden of weeds." Louis loved serving his country and the military so much he enlisted in the Army Reserves becoming a Drill Sargent E7 responsible for training the troops for 25 year before his retirement.
As a trumpet player and an ornery rascal, he was known for playing revelry at times to wake up his family to their dismay. Louis recieved his AA from YVCC. He had a passion for learning and do new things whether through training, school, employment or as a volunteer. This is reflected in the variety of jobs he mastered from a welder, working on the shipyards, being a millright, Hanford apprentice, master craftsman to a Human Rights Investigator working for the State of Washington. In his prime Louis loved to run and spent many days on the ski slope. In his later years he sought his adventures on his tricycle always looking for just the right find to refurbish and recycle. Louis is survived by his wife Ana Valdez, 6 children Anna (Larry) Briggs, Hillsboro, Barbara
Goodrich, Beaverton, Oregon, Cynthia (Vince) Anctil, Portland, Oregon, Alison Valdez, Yakima, Washington, Louie Valdez, Jr., Yakima, Washington, 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Louis was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Audrey Ana Valdez, his parents, 9 brothers and sisters Roberto, Jesse, Jacinta, Ernestina, Julia, Feliciana, Cruz and Dora. Louis was blessed to have a group of friends that became like family in his life. A celebration of life with  military honors  will be held at the VFW in Sunnyside, Washington on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow.  Those wishing to sign Louis's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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