WHARTON COUNTY — Deacon David Gerard Valdez, a longtime Catholic minister, business owner and community volunteer whose life was rooted in faith, family and service to others, died unexpectedly at his Boling home on Wednesday, September 16. He was 64.
Valdez had recently celebrated 20 years as a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church, marking two decades of ministry that included officiating weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras and funerals for families throughout the community.
According to his obituary published by Wharton Funeral Home, his commitment to serving others began long before he entered the ministry.
A Life Rooted in Wharton County
Born February 10, 1962, in New Gulf to Miguel and Marie Valdez, David grew up in the area and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School.
Just two weeks after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Debra, on June 12, 1980. The couple celebrated 46 years of marriage this year.
Valdez later established his own drafting business in Boling, which he operated for 18 years while raising his family and remaining active in community organizations.
His involvement included Cub Scouts, baseball, the Lions Club and the 100 Club, along with efforts to help expand the reach of Wharton County’s summer reading program to more children.
His family’s obituary describes him as someone who made an effort to remain present in his children’s lives while contributing to the community around him.
Twenty Years of Ministry
Valdez’s involvement in the Catholic Church included serving as a confirmation catechist and participating in youth ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Wharton.
He eventually decided to close his drafting business and pursue a calling to become a permanent deacon.
Valdez was ordained on July 29, 2006, beginning a ministry that would continue for the next 20 years.
He served at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton and St. Joseph Catholic Mission in Boling, according to the Diocese of Victoria’s permanent deacons directory.
His ministry placed him alongside families during some of their most significant moments, from celebrating marriages and baptisms to providing spiritual support during funerals and times of loss.
According to his family, even as his health declined in later years, Valdez continued to make himself available to listen, pray and offer guidance to others.
Remembered Beyond the Church
Outside his religious and community responsibilities, Valdez enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping.
His family said some of his most treasured moments were spent with his grandsons, sharing outdoor adventures and making memories together.
Valdez was preceded in death by his father, Miguel Valdez; his son, Vincent Cruz Valdez; and his brother, Tom Valdez.
He is survived by his wife, Debra; daughter, Angela; son, Vinson, and his wife, Vanessa; brothers Mike, Marty and Johnny Valdez; and four grandchildren, Elijah and Michael Mancine and Alexander and Zachary Valdez.
Funeral Services Set for September 22–23
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home, located at 515 E. Boling Highway in Wharton. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.
A funeral Mass will take place Wednesday, September 23, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton, with Father Robert Knippenberg officiating.
Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Community members wishing to leave a message for the family or view the complete funeral arrangements may visit David Valdez’s official obituary.
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