This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Valdes, Esquivel Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4396/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Las Cruces Sun News 15 June 2010 Ret'd Chief Major Sgt. Fred B. Valdes, Jr., has made his final step here on earth and has gone to his new eternal dwelling in heaven, having entered it peacefully. Chief Valdes as he was fondly known by all his friends was born in El Paso, Texas on January 01, 1929. He was the eldest son of the late Fred B. Valdes and Aurora Esquivel Valdes of El Paso, Texas. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Louie, and two sisters, Betty and Alice. He is survived by his wife, Connie M. Valdes; children, Fred B. III, Samuel, Michael, Karen, Lisa, Amanda and step-sons, Joseph and Luis and step-daughter, Yvonne. Chief Valdes has gone to his final resting place and dwelling with our Lord leaving behind, with his loving blessing eighteen grandchildren, and twenty seven great grandchildren. His old saying was, "once an Indian, always an Indian." Fred graduated from Ysleta High School with high honors as being one of the first Hispanic's of the basketball team from Ysleta. Immediately after graduation, he joined the US Air Force, of which he made a career and served for thirty years, eventually receiving his rank of Chief, as he was known and very proud of his achievement. He served is country and his love for history education and the government allowed him to receive his degree through Troy University of Troy, Alabama and finally graduating from New Mexico State University, as his parents were elderly and ill at that time. Chief Valdes then began his teaching career in the Las Cruces Public Schools system, where he taught history at Alameda Jr. High, Sierra Middle School, Holy Cross School, where he volunteered and finally at Vista Middle School where he was forced to retire, again because of his disabilities. Chief Valdes was always initiating a drive for underprivileged children for school supplies. He also did the same for needy families by making baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Chief Valdes was a life member at VFW Post 3242 where he would play "Santa" for the needy children around Christmas. He also made a special effort to go to T or C and Ft. Bayard during the holidays to spread cheer to all the disabled veterans. Chief Valdes was a very active member of Holy Cross Church, Knight of Columbus since 1963 and finally a 4th Degree Knight, Senior Commander of VFW Post 3242 as a life member, member of the Air Force Association and the American Legion of Du Boise, Pa, also a member of the Old Indians get together from Ysleta, Texas. Chief Valdes was with the Tactical Air Command Division in Washington D.C., Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, where he received several commendations and decorations such as the Bronze Star and several letters of appreciation. He also served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War, where he was involved with the late President John F. Kennedy. Visitation for Chief Valdes will begin at 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, 2010 in Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 N. Miranda Street, where the prayer vigil is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. His funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 17, 2010 in the same church, with the Reverend Monsignor John E. Anderson, officiating. The rite of committal and interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery with full military honors accorded by a Holloman Air Force Honor Guard. Serving as casket bearers will be Casimiro Gonzales, Vince Romero, Ron Segura, Mont Fyffe, Humberto Quinones, and Ben Foix. Honorary bearer will be Sal Saiz. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels, 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces. 527-2222. Exclusive providers for Veteran's and Family Memorial Care. To send condolences online log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.