Alfred Valdez , age 79, of Franklin, Texas, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, September 9, 2022.  He was, above all, a loving husband to Lorene Valdez for 38 years and a devoted Christian.

A lfred was the youngest of nine children born to Filemon Gomez Valdez and Jesusita Rodriguez Valdez (Susie) on June 11, 1943, in Navasota, Texas.  He came of age in Houston in the classic era of the 1950's.  As a youth he chose to pursue his passion for cars, motorcycles, and everything else that was cool about the 50's.  Alfred was a natural, gifted mechanic and truck driver – qualities which carried him throughout his life as a generous provider at home and brave solider in the Vietnam War.

A lfred married Gloria Jean Blair in 1963.  He served in the Vietnam War from 1968-1970 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service.  After serving in the Army, he started a new chapter in his life as father to two children, daughter Tina Jeanene Valdez and son Dax Alfred Valdez.  On September 4, 1984, he married Lorene Judith Barton in Franklin, Texas, and opened his heart to Lori Jane Shipley and Lisa Marie Shipley as his daughters.

H e drove chemical tankers and big rigs for 14 years and was his own owner-operator.  He was also a mechanic for WC Auto.  Soon after moving to Franklin, Texas in 1984, he bought an old, beat-up dump truck and rickety backhoe and launched Franklin Backhoe Service.  Over the next 25 years, he grew the company into a thriving business.

A lfred was passionate about his community.  He volunteered with the New Baden Lions Club, the American Legion, the Pro-life Prayer Warriors, and the Republican Party.  He always helped friends and neighbors.  He was a patient teacher to his children and grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, and all of their friends.  Fishing, water skiing, tubing, swimming, football, trampoline tricks, driving, shooting – you name it, he'd teach it with an easy-going manner and sense of humor. He was a passionate fan of Franklin Lions Football, attending ALL games, shaking his homemade noise-maker. He loved attending his kids' and grandkids' performances and sporting events.

A lfred had a strong personal relationship with his Lord, Jesus Christ, and his life is a testament to the same.  What most people remember about Alfred is his contagiously cheery mood.  He walked about whistling or singing and greeting everyone, making us all feel special and known.  What made him happy was spending time with friends and family, a fun gathering, catching fish, and playing with his grandchildren.

A lfred was preceded in death by his father and mother, Filemon and Susie Valdez; siblings, Fred, Amos, Alec, Alfonso, Jessie, Morris, Mary (Cruz), and Joe Valdez; and grandson, Jacob Langley.

H e is survived by his wife, Lorene Valdez; daughters, Lori (and Phillip Yates), Lisa (and Daniel Langley), and Tina Valdez (and Charlie DeMarco); son, Dax (and Staci); 15 grandchildren, Rachael, Rhett, Amanda, Kristy, Angela, Amy, Kasey, Katie, Joshua, Robby, Zana, Zane, Isla, Shiloh, and Willa; and 17 great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at the McCauley Funeral Home in Franklin, Texas.  Viewing will start at 12:00pm with the service at 2:00pm and a graveside service to follow at Camp Creek Cemetery.