Manuel Valdez, Jr was born January 28, 1951 to Guadalupe and Manuel Valdez, Sr, in Knox City, Texas. He joined his Heavenly Father on December 15, 2022. He made his living as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways – for 23 years. He also worked for Lofland Company for a year and a half. Manuel was a proud member of Teamsters 745 Union Truck Drivers. A loving dad and papa, Manuel was also known for being quite the prankster, a comedian, a gambler and sometimes cheater. He would give anyone the shirt off his back! He was a faithful Catholic with a strong belief in Saint Jude.
As a child Manuel could often be found hunting rabbits and catching crawfish wish his brother Emilio; playfully he was always playing tricks on his sisters and dad. His sharp wit made him a formidable card player. He loved the movies Tombstone, Wyatt Earp, and the TV show Lone Star Law – it is no coincidence that his nick name was Wyatt Earp. He also enjoyed Tejano music, especially the Hometown Boys. Manuel looked forward to having a good time! His Easter Bash, at the ranch, was legendary. He loved having everyone over. Entertaining his family and friends gave him the opportunity to really show off his cooking skills. Manuel was really good in the kitchen and loved competition; he would often challenge his sons at cooking. A consummate outdoorsman, he collected guns and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved to travel, but his favorite place to be was on his ranch.
Manuel’s greatest treasure was his family. He married his beloved wife Amelia Rodriguez on December 2, 1972. They celebrated their 50th anniversary at the hospital with a handful of friends, family and the wonderful staff at Methodist Midlothian. Manuel and Amelia lovingly raised three children, Sergio, Lisa, Manuel, and one nephew – David who they loved as their own. They welcomed seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his parents Guadalupe and Manuel Valdez, Sr; sisters Susan Antonia and Horalia; brothers Gilbert Valdez and Emilio Valdez and other family members.
Manuel is survived by his wife Amelia Valdez; children Sergio Valdez and wife Tracy, Lisa Valdez and husband Ino, Manuel Valdez and wife Casey; nephew David Valdez and girlfriend Melinda; grandchildren Alexander Valdez, Hunter Valdez, Max Valdez, Joel Chavez, Jacob Valdez, Jaciel Chavez, Colt Valdez; great grandchild Arthur Manuel Valdez; siblings Ernesto Valdez, Frances Valdez, and Nina Gonzales; several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends that adored him and visited often.
Services will be held Monday, December 26, 2022 at 11:00am at Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home Chapel in Waxahachie, Texas.