Hector N. Valdez

Hector Valdez, 96, of Carlsbad NM, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on December 13, 2025.

Hector was born and raised with a strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life. He married Celia C. Valdez, and together they shared 75 years of marriage, building a loving family and forming many lifelong friendships.

Hector dedicated his life to farming and trucking and had a deep love for raising his cattle. You could always find him on his tractor or baling hay. One of his greatest accomplishments was running his RV park. He enjoyed the outdoors with his dog Blackie at his side. He was an avid deer hunter, and also enjoyed gambling in all its forms-whether playing the lottery or going to casinos.

Hector's love for his farm matched his love for his family. He cherished time with them and loved to tell his grandchildren stories. He also had a generous heart and always made everyone feel welcomed. Hector leaves behind a legacy of hard work, strength and perseverance.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Celia C. Valdez; his son, Mario Valdez; his great-granddaughter, Samira Godinez; and his sister Yolanda Valdez. 

He is survived by his daughters, Olga Godinez, Faviola V. Florez, Jeanne Valdez and Anna Valdez; his grandchildren Davy Godinez and Jaime, Rene Godinez and Cruz, Cathy Florez, Pamela Florez and Michael Gallegos, and Haylie Valdez; his great-grandchildren, Michael, Gavin, Ava, Elucio, Dominic, Xiomara, Brianne, Brayden, Tayler, and Talen; four great-great grandchildren; his brother, Noe Valdez and Bridgette; brother at heart, Valdo De La Vega; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Monday, December 22, 2025 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home followed by a vigil at 6:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Gardens Memorial Park, Carlsbad, NM.

Pallbearers will be Davy Godinez, Michael Godinez, Rene Godinez, Elucio Godinez, Michael Gallegos, Talen Gallegos, Raul Martinez and Harold Castro. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.