Manuel J. Valdez, Jr, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2021, just 6 days before his 93rd birthday. He died peacefully in his sleep at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Kelly McCarty, where he had stayed this past year during the pandemic, yet his heart and his roots never left Valley Junction.
While we believe our Dad, Grandpa, Brother and Tio/Uncle Manuel was greeted at Heaven’s front door by his beloved wife of 60 years, Helen, he has a very large extended family and many friends left behind to miss him. He was born on June 9, 1928, the first born son of 13 surviving children born to Guadalupe and Manuel Valdez, Sr.
His immediate family left behind to celebrate him include: his children-Tony (Eileen) Valdez, Vicki (Tom) Hallman, Julie (Kelly) McCarty, Grandchildren; Heidi Valdez (Larry), Aaron Valdez (Deanna), Nick(Kate)Hallman, Cal McCarty & Corey McCarty; brother Darrell Valdez and sister Frances Gallardo. He was the “Uncle” that everyone wanted for their own. He was a devoted family man who always had a story to share about his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, and was especially thrilled to learn a great-grandchild is expected in November.
He was preceded in death by his father Manuel Sr., mother Guadalupe, siblings Jesse (infant), Freddie (infant), Eula, Emily, Esperanza, Aurora, Joseph, Louise, John, and Jessie.
Manuel often described a childhood filled with family, sports and music. At Valley High School, he excelled in Football, Basketball, and Track and received many accolades for his performance. He was a proud member of the West Des Moines Mexican Eagles fast-pitch softball team where he was able to play with his brothers and close friends.
A veteran of the Korean War, he took the wartime skills he learned operating heavy duty machinery and utilized them throughout his career at Marquette/Monarc Cement. He loved his work and all those who worked with him and developed many lifelong friendships there.
His love of music and first guitar were gifts from his father. He carried on that tradition, passing his love of music to his son, Tony. Over the years, Manuel played with family and friends in several bands where they spent many years entertaining at weddings, dances and family events for those in the Mexican community who were looking for, as he called it, “good music you can DANCE to”. He and Helen loved to dance and he held many fond memories of dances at the Val Air ballroom. He kept dancing right into his 90’s.
Tony’s musical skills began to truly shine his Freshman year at Dowling, and soon Manuel was driving boys and instruments all over as the Manager of the Echos V. From the first notes coming from the basement of the Valdez home to the 3 groups Tony plays with today, Manuel and his brother in-law Sal Salgado could be found most of the time, front and center, whenever Tony was playing. He always had a song in his heart and could be heard humming or singing wherever he went.
He was an avid and loyal sports fan and had favorite teams in many sports; the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and in his later years the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved any team his children or grandchildren were part of and coached baseball and softball for many years.
He loved his family and was surrounded all through his life with much love and support from all those who knew him. We hope you can join us to celebrate Manuel's life.
