Tributes

On June 11th Edward D. Valdez gained his wings, at the age of 88. He was born in Three Rivers, Texas on October 6, 1935, to Sofia Cantu and Refugio Valdez. He grew up in Pleasanton, Texas and was also known by many as "Muerto"or "Paderes". He served 34 years as truck driver for the city of San Antonio Public Works department before his retirement. Edward was an active Woodmen of the World member since 1961. He contributed to San Antonio and Texas history by being the float driver of the first and only set of identical twins named Miss Fiesta in 1968. He maneuvered turns in the narrow streets of downtown San Antonio, while peering through a small opening. He also helped to make Guinness World Record history by being part of the elite team of four truck drivers who helped relocate the Fairmont hotel in 1985. He had a love for driving, music, dancing, gardening, traveling and camping. His favorite modes of transportation were trains and tractors. He shared his love of traveling with his family by taking them as often as possible on trips all over the country. Also, he had a love for dogs and always helped any strays he found by keeping or rehoming them. Edward will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his daughter Estella Valdez of San Antonio, Texas, parents Refugio Valdez, Manuel P. and Sofia Cantu Leal of Pleasanton, Texas, brother Juan Leal, and sister-in-law Sally G. Leal Turner of San Angelo, Texas. Survivors include his wife of 64 years Eloiza M. Valdez, son Edward Valdez (Victoria), daughter Emma Valdez Martinez (Joe), sisters Matilda "Tillie" Dickison, Antonia "Toni" Gonzales (Richard) of San Angelo, Texas, Gudalupe "Lupe" Calandres of San Antonio, Texas, brothers Alfredo Leal (Donna), Patrico Leal of San Angelo, Texas, 4 grandkids, 6 step-grandkids, and several great grandkids, whom he all held dear to his heart. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church 236 E. Petaluma Blvd. SA, TX 78221. Burial services will be held at San Ysidro Cemetery 205 Coughran St. Pleasanton, TX 78064. For personal acknowledgement, you may sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section.

Tributes

Edward D. Valdez

October 6, 1935 - June 11, 2024