Timeline for John Valls
Born: December 9, 1924
Died: November 6, 2020
Proud Laredoan, John Valls, 95, Entered into eternal rest on 11/6/2020 surrounded by family.
Born and raised in Laredo, Texas to Antonio and Rafaela Valls, John was one of ten brothers and sisters. He attended Martin High School, and at the age of eighteen he was drafted into the military in the middle of his Junior Year. He served honorably in WWII for 3 years in the 9th Armored Division under General Patton. During his time of service, a German general and his army surrendered to him, he liberated the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp, and after many months on the front lines his athletic ability allowed him to represent our country on the US Army Basketball team. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star as well as many other military honors. Upon arriving home, he accepted an offer to Baylor University to run track and field, where John excelled in the high and low hurdles. He was awarded all Southwest Conference Athlete in 1949 as well as 1950. While at Baylor he married Gladys, the love of his life, and after graduation they returned to Laredo and raised five children. He taught at Martin High School, his alma mater, where he also coached track and field in addition to coaching the 1956 state championship winning basketball team. He was also honored by the Lucy Meriwether Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution with the Distinguished Citizen Award. After retirement, John’s greatest joy was to share his life lessons and experiences in the war with local youth at schools across the community. He also loved to design and build model airplanes, tell stories, and gather together with friends and family every chance he could. You could always find him at the same table every morning at his favorite breakfast restaurant, Cotulla and later Safari. His sense of humor and loud laugh would brighten the day of anyone who came into contact with him. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Gladys Jones Valls. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Edward (Judy) Valls, John Jr. (Valerie) Valls, Tony (Sherri) Valls, Maureen Valls, Larry (Elizabeth) Valls; grandchildren: Christopher (Janel) Valls, Christina (John) Wroby, Nikki (Allen) Murray, Joey (Laura) Ortiz, Alyssa (Scott) Peterson, Randall (Belinda) Manning, Collin (Kendal) Strachan, Bryan Strachan; great-grandchildren: Kimberly & Cody Manning, Catalina Valls, Jones & Hudson Murray, John Robert Ortiz, Lilly & Luke Wroby; siblings: William (Minerva) Valls, Doris Duke Valls, Billy & Nelly Jones; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and special friends.
We wish to express our gratitude to family and friends for their support. Caregivers Aurelia “Yaya” Puente, Fidelia “Pilly” Becerra, Dr. Claudia Mercado and Mario Salinas, Superior Nursing Care, Altus Hospice Care, Victor Raymond and Doug Alford
The family will receive condolences on Monday, November 16,2020 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Fred Dickey Funeral Home. Military Burial will be held Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 at 11:00 am at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Due to the COVID pandemic and for the safety of all, the family will also be live streaming the funeral services including a Holy Rosary at www.freddickey.com on Monday, starting at 5:00 pm.
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com
In memory of John Valls, Cindy lit a candle
Thank you for sharing this beautiful human being with us. As a former student of his @ UHS, loved his spirt, stories; and wisdom he shared with us. May he Rest In Peace.
To All Members of the Beloved John Valls' Family, Please accept my sincerest heartfelt condolences on the loss of your incredibly brave, charismatic, kind, creative and loving father....mere words cannot express my sorrow. I feel so very blessed to have had the chance to spend so much time with him in his latter years...be an audience of one to the "Army of One" and hear all those wonderful stories along the way. He taught me (and everyone) so many valuable life lessons ~ especially by his example ~ and he treated every single person with dignity, grace and respect. I will always cherish his memory, strive to follow his courageous and joyful example...and smile through my tears when I imagine him (and his beautiful "Georgia Peach") in Eternity with our Precious Saviour. May God bless, comfort and protect you all during these very trying times. Love you very much! In awe and gratitude of a life well-spent, Cindy (Stewart) & Leonard Leyendecker
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort during this hard time.
My condolences to his Family. He was a very nice man and a patriot as well. I feel fortunate that I got to know him and his wife in my practice.
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Valls family. John was a wonderful man and we are thankful we had the opportunity to know him. He will be missed. Our prayers are with the family and may God bless you all.
So long uncle Johnny. I will always remember the speech you gave at the ceremony that awarded you the Bronze Star. Your testimonial of your wartime experience touched my heart and showed me a side of your Humanity I had never seen before. May you rest in peace
My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Valls was such a great man full of love, laughter and great stories. He will be missed. He used to sit and chat with my in-laws at the food court at the mall. Chente had the pleasure of joining them once in a while. Maureen and family we are so sorry for your loss. May he Rest In Peace and perpetual light shine upon him. Sincerely,Gloria and Vicente Gutierrez
Sending prayers your way. I know you have a lot of great memories of Papa— I hope they comfort you. I’ll always remember him as a kind, thoughtful man. He went out of his way to help so many people and left a great legacy. May the Perpetual Light Shine Upon Papa & Our Heavenly Mother's mantle cover him. Prayers for Peace and tranquility to the the Valls Family. Beautiful rosary I love you all Neto & Laura
Dear Mareen, I am very sorry to know that Coach Valls has passed and wish you and your family our deepest condolences. Besides being the manager for the fabulous 1956 team, Coach was my JV football coach and my track coach, along with your uncle, Lefty. I was lucky to have known your wonderful dad and will always cherish all the great memories...including his war stories. .
I am deeply saddened by the news of Johns' passing. It was a pleasure to know and work with him in the Business Department at Nixon. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Maureen, and the family.
Maureen, Joey/Laura, Nikki/Allen, we send our condolences to you and the rest of your family. Papa was such an amazing man and he will be missed very much! Sending love and keeping you in our prayers. Love, -Vicky, Javi, Randy & Marcos
Our sincere condolences, Neto and Janie Rodriguez
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Mr. Valls will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him throughout his most remarkable life. Alejandra & Robert Landis and Family
Dear Maureen, Johnny, Tony, Larry.,Eddie, As I sit here typing this with tears in my eyes ;I remember your Dad as he was major part in my life. If it was a sports event, a Golden Spur performance or at a "carne asada" at my beloved "Uncle Zam"s" I know he is in heaven with our family as he was when we were all growing up. He fought the good fight,he finished the race (with honors)and he kept the faith. 2Timothy4,7-8. Be Safe and Be Strong Betty Kramer p
In memory of John Valls, SEVERO RIOS jr lit a candle
John’s legacy is the best gift his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many more descendants could receive. We were blessed and honored to have known him and to have loved him! Mike and Bev Patterson
Dearest Family of John Valls, A time to celebrate your father, grandfather, great grandfather life. Wrap yourselves in all of the good memories of a Life well lived. Thinking of you all Edward, Johnny, Tony, Maureen and Larry and your families. Simply Twinkle Morgan
Mr. Valls was a one in a million! I met him when I was in junior high when I became friends with his daughter Maureen, he was so kind, and generous to all of us girls. He always had a story or a joke, we always left with laughter in our hearts. Loved when he would call Mrs. Valls his sweetheart, and his Georgia peach! He always spoke so respectful and kind to her. He will definitely be missed by many, and loved by all. Heaven gained a special angel. Lots of love and my prayers to his whole family.
Rest in Peace Coach Valls. John and Gladys were neighbors and family friends for my entire life. A man who lived a life worth honoring is gone but his story will always be remembered by those of us who knew him.
Maureen, Joey, Laura, Nikki and Alan, Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and lasting memories to forever hold in your heart. Sending you love and prayers during this time. May God shine eternal light on Mr. Valls’ soul. Father God surround this precious family with your light, your love, your mercy, and your peace. Rest In Peace Mr. Valls
In memory of John Valls, Jamal Brown lit a candle
To the Family, extended families and friends. We Honor, love and appreciate your entire family community for the sacrifices and services you have made for us all through this excellent Honorable Veteran. It was a pleasure knowing such a great man. I pray you have not, peace, love and understanding that this man's life was to serve and job well done. I send my best regards and condolences. Thank you
He lived a life we all aspire to live.
Date: Monday, November 16, 2020
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Address:
A Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 pm
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Time: 10:30 am
San Martin de Porres Catholic Church
Address:
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.
In memory of John Valls, Cindy lit a candle
Thank you for sharing this beautiful human being with us. As a former student of his @ UHS, loved his spirt, stories; and wisdom he shared with us. May he Rest In Peace.
To All Members of the Beloved John Valls' Family, Please accept my sincerest heartfelt condolences on the loss of your incredibly brave, charismatic, kind, creative and loving father....mere words cannot express my sorrow. I feel so very blessed to have had the chance to spend so much time with him in his latter years...be an audience of one to the "Army of One" and hear all those wonderful stories along the way. He taught me (and everyone) so many valuable life lessons ~ especially by his example ~ and he treated every single person with dignity, grace and respect. I will always cherish his memory, strive to follow his courageous and joyful example...and smile through my tears when I imagine him (and his beautiful "Georgia Peach") in Eternity with our Precious Saviour. May God bless, comfort and protect you all during these very trying times. Love you very much! In awe and gratitude of a life well-spent, Cindy (Stewart) & Leonard Leyendecker
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort during this hard time.
My condolences to his Family. He was a very nice man and a patriot as well. I feel fortunate that I got to know him and his wife in my practice.
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Valls family. John was a wonderful man and we are thankful we had the opportunity to know him. He will be missed. Our prayers are with the family and may God bless you all.
So long uncle Johnny. I will always remember the speech you gave at the ceremony that awarded you the Bronze Star. Your testimonial of your wartime experience touched my heart and showed me a side of your Humanity I had never seen before. May you rest in peace
My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Valls was such a great man full of love, laughter and great stories. He will be missed. He used to sit and chat with my in-laws at the food court at the mall. Chente had the pleasure of joining them once in a while. Maureen and family we are so sorry for your loss. May he Rest In Peace and perpetual light shine upon him. Sincerely,Gloria and Vicente Gutierrez
Sending prayers your way. I know you have a lot of great memories of Papa— I hope they comfort you. I’ll always remember him as a kind, thoughtful man. He went out of his way to help so many people and left a great legacy. May the Perpetual Light Shine Upon Papa & Our Heavenly Mother's mantle cover him. Prayers for Peace and tranquility to the the Valls Family. Beautiful rosary I love you all Neto & Laura
Dear Mareen, I am very sorry to know that Coach Valls has passed and wish you and your family our deepest condolences. Besides being the manager for the fabulous 1956 team, Coach was my JV football coach and my track coach, along with your uncle, Lefty. I was lucky to have known your wonderful dad and will always cherish all the great memories...including his war stories. .
I am deeply saddened by the news of Johns' passing. It was a pleasure to know and work with him in the Business Department at Nixon. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Maureen, and the family.
Maureen, Joey/Laura, Nikki/Allen, we send our condolences to you and the rest of your family. Papa was such an amazing man and he will be missed very much! Sending love and keeping you in our prayers. Love, -Vicky, Javi, Randy & Marcos
Our sincere condolences, Neto and Janie Rodriguez
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Mr. Valls will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him throughout his most remarkable life. Alejandra & Robert Landis and Family
Dear Maureen, Johnny, Tony, Larry.,Eddie, As I sit here typing this with tears in my eyes ;I remember your Dad as he was major part in my life. If it was a sports event, a Golden Spur performance or at a "carne asada" at my beloved "Uncle Zam"s" I know he is in heaven with our family as he was when we were all growing up. He fought the good fight,he finished the race (with honors)and he kept the faith. 2Timothy4,7-8. Be Safe and Be Strong Betty Kramer p
In memory of John Valls, SEVERO RIOS jr lit a candle
John’s legacy is the best gift his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many more descendants could receive. We were blessed and honored to have known him and to have loved him! Mike and Bev Patterson
Dearest Family of John Valls, A time to celebrate your father, grandfather, great grandfather life. Wrap yourselves in all of the good memories of a Life well lived. Thinking of you all Edward, Johnny, Tony, Maureen and Larry and your families. Simply Twinkle Morgan
Mr. Valls was a one in a million! I met him when I was in junior high when I became friends with his daughter Maureen, he was so kind, and generous to all of us girls. He always had a story or a joke, we always left with laughter in our hearts. Loved when he would call Mrs. Valls his sweetheart, and his Georgia peach! He always spoke so respectful and kind to her. He will definitely be missed by many, and loved by all. Heaven gained a special angel. Lots of love and my prayers to his whole family.
Rest in Peace Coach Valls. John and Gladys were neighbors and family friends for my entire life. A man who lived a life worth honoring is gone but his story will always be remembered by those of us who knew him.
Maureen, Joey, Laura, Nikki and Alan, Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and lasting memories to forever hold in your heart. Sending you love and prayers during this time. May God shine eternal light on Mr. Valls’ soul. Father God surround this precious family with your light, your love, your mercy, and your peace. Rest In Peace Mr. Valls
In memory of John Valls, Jamal Brown lit a candle
To the Family, extended families and friends. We Honor, love and appreciate your entire family community for the sacrifices and services you have made for us all through this excellent Honorable Veteran. It was a pleasure knowing such a great man. I pray you have not, peace, love and understanding that this man's life was to serve and job well done. I send my best regards and condolences. Thank you
He lived a life we all aspire to live.
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.