OBIT – Hector Valadez

MISSION – Hector Reynaldo “La Zorra” Valadez, 85, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at McAllen Medical Center.

Mr. Valadez was born on March 14, 1933, in Mission. He graduated from Mission High School in 1952 and attended Pan American College. He served in the Korean War and retired from the United States Postal Service after 36 years.

He played high school, college and semi-pro baseball: Pan American Broncs, U.S. Army, Los Bandidos, Benji’s Corner of McAllen and the 30/30 semi pro team. He was mentored by Leo Najo, the first Mexican American to play professional ball. He coached Pony and Colt League teams in Mission for many years and was the head coach for the Hidalgo County Colt League World Series Champions in 1962. He was inducted into Leo Najo Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Irene Valadez; sons Rey Valadez Jr., Joe Valadez, Rick Valadez, Bobby Valdez, Roy Valadez; and 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Santana and Juanita Valadez, and brothers, Roberto Valadez, Jose Valadez, Antonio Tijerina and Ramiro Tijerina.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 21, from 2 to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 22, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial follows at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be his five sons and nephew, Rey Garcia Jr., and, as honorary pallbearer, Hector Garcia.