Luis A. Valdez

Luis Antonio Valdez of Joliet, age 78, was surrounded by the love of his family in the comfort of his own home when his soul was born into eternal rest on December 14, 2025. He was born to his father Evaristo Valdez and his mother Guadalupe Valdez (née Ramos) in Monterrey, Mexico on June 13, 1947.

Luis was proud to have been born and raised in Mexico. After moving to the United States at the age of sixteen, he maintained a strong appreciation for his Mexican heritage. He also quickly fell in love with his adopted home of the United States of America. He was forever proud that he had the opportunity to defend this great nation as a member of the United States Navy. He actively served from 1968 until 1972, and then transferred into a reservist role until 1974. His honorable service earned him the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. The bulk of his time in the Navy was spent as a member of the Construction Battalion (CB’s), using his natural intelligence and skill training to provide necessary infrastructure for the war effort. In civilian life, Luis worked as a refinery technician for Exxon Mobil. The passion he found for serving others in the military effortlessly transitioned into his domestic life. He made himself available as a soccer trainer and referee for thirty years, was instrumental in the creation of the Lockport American Youth Soccer Organization, and was happy to volunteer his time to organize school fundraising events and take an active role in supporting the Saint Dennis Catholic Church Congregation. In his free time, Luis enjoyed drawing, calligraphy, photography, woodworking, carpentry, and any opportunity to work with horses. He was also a member in good standing at his local VFW hall. There is no question that Luis lived a full and rewarding life, but his most impactful role was as a loving husband and dedicated father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of honesty, dedication, and generosity to others, while his kindness and easy social nature will serve as a positive example for his family members to emulate for the rest of their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents Evaristo and Guadalupe; his sister Deyanira Valdez; and his brother Victor Tamez.

Luis is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-three years Silvia Valdez (née Ponce); his sons Luis Adrian Valdez, Luis Fernando Valdez, and Luis Antonio Valdez II; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his sister Rosa Salazar.

The family would like to offer a special note of gratitude to Daja (CNA) and Chrissy (RN) for their compassionate care, provided to Luis during his final months.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations offered in Luis’ name be directed to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 or at https://lightways.org/donate/.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL 60435. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Dennis Catholic Church, 1214 S. Hamilton St., Lockport, IL at 11:00 am. Immediately following the close of Mass, we will travel in procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd., Elwood, IL where Luis will be laid to rest with his brothers and sisters of the United States Military with full military honors in a committal shelter ceremony at 1:30 pm.