Christopher R. Valdez, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on November 25, 2019 at the age of 48. He was born in Morenci, Arizona, on December 12, 1970. Chris is survived by his parents, Ruben L. and Florence B. Valdez, formerly of Morenci, Arizona, now in Mesa; his six children: Christopher Michael, Jacob Destin, Serenah Ann, Caleb Andrew, Brianna Renee, and Mariah Christina; and his sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne Valdez and Stephen McAllister of Lawrence, Kansas. Chris is also survived by a large extended family across Arizona and elsewhere.
At a young age, Chris had a strong sense of duty and an even stronger love for his country. As soon as Chris turned 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Army as a heavy-wheeled mechanic. Chris reported for duty in August of 1989. He graduated basic training and reported to Ft. Bragg, NC where he earned his wings and was a proud paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1990 Chris answered the call to duty and deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm where he served with distinction and honor. Chris completed his tour of duty and returned home in 1991. He was honorably discharged on September 2, 1992, having fulfilled his obligation to the U.S. Army. Chris’s awards include an Army Commendation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service stars and the parachutist badge. Though Chris’s active duty in the army was done, he continued to have a strong love for his country as a proud Veteran.
After his discharge from the Army, Chris began his long and distinguished career as a certified electrician, where he used his talent and skills to install and maintain electrical and power systems in businesses and homes across the Phoenix Metro Valley and Southwest. His peers in the field have described Chris as one of the “most talented electricians in the Valley” and as the electrician who could “trouble shoot” and “fix” anything that had to do with electricity.
Chris loved his children and both his close and extended family deeply. He loved his work as an electrician, especially solving problems and figuring out electrical formulas on graph paper and note cards in advance of tackling a job. He loved his white work truck. He loved to make people laugh, and he loved to fish in the White Mountains of Arizona and Alpine. He loved the Arizona Cardinals football team. And he loved America.
Catholic mass services with military funeral honors for Chris are pending.
My sincere love and prayerful support for you Florence, Ruben and Suzi. His Children and his many family members and his friends.
Please know Florence that I love you dear friend and my heart aches for your loss. Prayers will be offered for all of you and never stopped. God be with you.
Sending all my love and continued prayers to the Valdez family and all of his extended family that includes the Morenci Family of friends, classmates, peers, and coworkers. We all hurt deeply when we lose a part of our family!
I pray for a peace that passes all understanding for Rueben, Florence, and Suzie! I love you all so very much!!
My heart aches for all those touched by Chris’s passing. Lord Jesus, hold them close, comfort them, Your peace be upon them.
Im so sorry for your loss!!! I served with Chris in Desert Storm, he was my friend, my battle buddy, my right hand man… He was the best and I’ll always remember him…
SSG Richard J. Hagopian
My Sincere Condolences to You and your family. He was a dear friend of my Husband Dan…my husband always said he was a very intelligent kid…and needed to be challenged with his electrical work. He was a great friend to him & my family. He will be missed dearly. Rest in Peace.
Am so sorry we just found out about your loss may he Rest In Peace . Ruben we never heard about this our hearts are with you !
Sorry to hear about Chris, I was at Ft. Bragg with him and I actually came to your house in Morenci a couple of times. Chris was Great and it truly breaks my heart to find out he passed. Please know you and his children are in my prayers. Sincerely Jon Matthews.