Anthony Vega Valdes

Tony was a graduate of St. Thomas Catholic High School in 1964 at the age of sixteen. Then, he attended the University of St. Thomas for one year before he began his career at the United States Postal Service. He worked at the Downtown Houston Postal Office until being drafted in July 1967. He was deployed to Vietnam in December 1967 and served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. He served alongside many brave brothers in arms in south Vietnam, Da Nang, Chu Lai, Tam Ky, around LZ Center overlooking the Que Son Valley. He was wounded in April and later rotated home from Vietnam in December 1968, finishing his tour in July 1969. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for valor and other service medals.

Upon concluding his military service, Tony resumed his career at the Post Office. Tony attended San Jacinto College in Pasadena Texas and obtained an Electronic Technicians certificate which he used to pivot his career to the computer and mechanical support needs of the postal service. Tony ultimately served for thirty-seven years. During those years, he worked at three separate locations – Downtown Houston, Conroe, and the North Houston Processing Center. Throughout his postal service career, he developed many long-lasting friendships.

He was asked to serve in the United States Selective Service System for Texas Region 2. He wanted to ensure equitable selection should the draft be implemented again. He enjoyed fishing with his brothers-in-law and sharing adult beverages with them. He enjoyed camping, vacationing to the west coast and Rocky Mountains with his family. He was a member of the Houston Gun Collectors Association for many years. He was an avid Second Amendment and Bill of Rights supporter and as a conservative loved his country. After many years apart, he greatly enjoyed traveling to reunions of the 196th LIB.

Tony is preceded by his father, Romualdo Valdes, his mother, Fortunata Vega, his siblings Ray Valdes, Mike Valdes, and Geneva Salas.

Tony is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lilly Valdes, his adult children, son Darryl Valdes, married to Stephanie Valdes, daughter Regina N. Spahr, married to Kelly Spahr, grandchildren Kirby Valdes, Caroline Valdes, Wyatt Valdes, Koen Spahr, and Cylus Spahr, his siblings Joe Valdes, Marie Valverde, Cruz Valdes, Paz Silva, Louis Valdes, and Julio Valdes, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

Your attendance and support during this time is greatly appreciated.

A visitation for Anthony will be held Monday, December 6, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A memorial service will occur Monday, December 6, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Simon & Jude - The Woodlands, 26777 Glen Loch Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381. A visitation will occur Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A committal service will occur Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 2:15 PM to 2:45 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Serving as pallbearers are Wyatt Valdes, Koen Spahr, David Rodriguez, Troy Garrison, Jerry Balli, Jim Balli, Adam Flores and Carlos Balli .

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Valdes family.