Arnulfo (Arnold Sr.) P. Valadez, 79, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 18, 2026, surrounded and comforted by family and loved ones. He fought a good fight when he battled cancer until he no longer could. Though his body was tired and weak, his spirit was strong, full, and grateful.

To know Arnold Sr. was to know joy. He carried a true zest for life, and his laugh—sweet, genuine, utterly contagious and could brighten any room. He loved deeply, freely, and without condition, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Born on May 6, 1947, in Wilson County, Arnold Sr. devoted his life to faith, family, and hard work. Early in his marriage to the love of his life, Florence K. Valadez, he gave his heart to Christ and remained a faithful servant of the Lord for the remainder of his days. His faith was the cornerstone of who he was.

Arnold Sr. worked as a carpenter, dedicating many years to construction, a trade he took pride in until he could no longer continue. Outside of work, he found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—fishing wherever the water called, whether at a quiet lake, along the coast or deep sea. His most cherished moments were spent dancing with his beloved Florence every chance they would get or at Port Royal in Port Aransas, where summers were filled with family, laughter, and unforgettable memories. At home, he enjoyed watching classic Westerns and wrestling, content in the comfort of familiar joys like a friendly poker game or scratching the occasional lottery ticket every now and again.

He leaves behind a loving and devoted family: his seven children, Sandra Valadez; Janice (Jaime) Luna; Arleen (Joe Lara) Valadez; Arnold Jr. (Jeanette) Valadez; Maxine (Randy) Ramirez; Cynthia (Micah) Wallace; and Rachel (Michael) Casanova; along with 19 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, four brothers, two sisters, and a wide community of loving friends and neighbors. To all who knew him, he would want you to remember: “Family isn’t just blood—it’s anyone you choose to love.”

Arnold Sr. was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florence K. Valadez, his parents, Pablo and Nicolasa Valadez; his brother, Richard Valadez; his sister, Mary McVey, his sister Arcelia Morales, his grandson Josue (Joshua) Arreola and his granddaughter Christina Elaine Valadez. Today, we find comfort in knowing he is reunited with them in glory and thoroughly enjoying his greatest adventure yet.

A homegoing prayer service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Castillo Funeral Home, 520 N. General McMullen Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78228.

The family finds peace in the words of John 14:2: “In my Father’s house are many rooms.” Arnold Sr.’s favorite scripture, John 3:16, reminds us of his enduring faith:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”