David Gerard Valdez

Deacon David Gerard Valdez, 64, of Boling, passed away unexpectedly at his home early Wednesday morning, September 16, 2026. Born in New Gulf on February 10, 1962, to Miguel and Marie Valdez.

David married his high school sweetheart two weeks after graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School on June 12, 1980 and honored their marriage for the next 46 years. After losing their first and welcoming their second child, David started his own business as a draftsman in Boling, where they later welcomed their third child.

He served many roles including a loving husband, father, philanthroper, community leader, etc, ensuring he was always present in his family’s life. Cub Scouts, baseball, Lion’s Club, 100 Club to help the Wharton County summer reading program reach many more youth, David played an active role in bringing goodness and joy to those around him.

Serving as the Confirmation Catechist and in the youth ministry at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Wharton, he submitted to Christ’s vocation, to become a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. He closed his business of 18 years and entered the diaconate, leading to his ordination on July 29, 2006.

Over the course of the next 20 years of service as a deacon, he guided countless souls to Christ through his faith, hope and charity. Blessed with his understanding of scripture, he was able to share God’s message in a way that inspired others to become more receptive of the Holy Spirit’s gifts.

His words came from a heart devoted to God, and his presence radiated Christ’s light. Throughout his years of service, he was blessed to officiate baptisms, weddings, quinceaneras and funerals, helping families celebrate love, honor their traditions, grieve their losses, and draw closer to God. Even in his later years when his health declined, he still gave freely of himself, always willing to listen, pray and offer counsel. David was living testament to living a life of redemptive suffering with Christ.

He also found great joy in the simple blessings of life. He loved fishing, hunting and camping, enjoying the peace of the outdoors and the memories made along the way. But among his greatest treasures were the moments spent with his grandsons. Their laughter, adventures, and time together brought him a special kind of happiness that he cherished deeply.

 In addition to father, Miguel Valdez, he is preceded in death by his son, Vincent Cruz Valdez and brother, Tom Valdez.

 David is survived by his loving wife, Debra Valdez of Boling, daughter, Angela Valdez of Boling, and son Vinson Valdez and wife, Vanessa of Humble, brothers, Mike Valdez and wife, Monica of Sugarland, Marty Valdez and wife, Cindy of Sugarland, Johnny Valdez and wife, Lisa of Humble and sister-in-law, Ann Valdez of Sugarland, grandchildren, Elijah and Michael Mancine and Alexander and Zachary Valdez.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, starting at 5 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Robert Knippenberg officiating. A Rite of Committal and Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. 

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.