JUAN VALENZUELA SR.'s Obituary
A Catholic Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Juan Valenzuela, Sr. age 94 of Lamesa, TX., at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 16, 2024, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Chacko Thadathil officiating. The burial will follow at the Dawson County Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the trusted care and direction of Gonzales Funeral Home.
Juan passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at home in Lamesa, TX. surrounded by family.
The visitation will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14 and 15, at Gonzales Funeral Home, with a Rosary prayed at 6:00 p.m. both evenings.
Juan was born on August 16, 1929, in El Banco Nacional, Dgo, Mexico. He married Anita Montero on February 7, 1948, in Durango. They were married for 64 years.
Juan is preceded in death by his parents, Esteban and Perfecta Valenzuela; his wife, Anita Valenzuela; his brother, Gabriel Valenzuela; his sons, Manuel Valenzuela, and Daniel Valenzuela, Sr.; his grandson, Daniel Valenzuela, Jr.
Juan was an amazing father and even kinder grandfather. He started working at a young age and spent 49 years farming, he loved every day he got the opportunity to work and provide for his family. Juan could always be found listening to music, dancing, watching the news, and above all, reading out of his Bible. Juan and his wife Anita loved being at family celebrations. They would always be at weddings and anniversaries enjoying celebrating life with their friends. Juan loved to travel with his wife and kids and would make sure to visit the different churches they would come across. He especially loved returning to Mexico where he would visit the cathedrals. Juan moved to the United States at the age of 19 looking for the opportunity to support his growing family. He officially became a US citizen on July 4, 1996. He never missed his right to vote in any type of election. Most recently, he was even at the voting polls for the last presidential election. Juan loved drinking coffee and eating pan dulce at any time of the day. His children remember him standing outside of Mass always eager to visit with friends. Juan was a wonderful husband and father. His steadfast faith never faltered. He prayed for healing and grace till his last breath. He would always be heard praying for every member of his family, by name.
Juan is survived by his children, Juan Valenzuela, Jr. and wife Maria, Gume Valenzuela and wife Carolina, Virginia Valenzuela, Gustavo Valenzuela, Sr. and wife Lilia, Anita Herrera and husband Martin, and daughter-in-law, Susana Valenzuela. He leaves 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Luis Valenzuela, Esteban Valenzuela, Gume Valenzuela, Jr., Jaime Herrera, Gustavo Valenzuela, Jr., Carlos Herrera, Samuel Valenzuela, and Cuauhtemoc Valenzuela.
Honorary pallbearers are Mayte Meza, Sandra Torres, Maricruz Valenzuela, Daniela Valenzuela, Maria Valenzuela, and Lori Valenzuela, numerous friends and relatives.
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