Al Valdes
Al Valdes Sr., 83, of Kingsland and formerly of Big Spring, died Jan. 4, 2011. He was born in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated to the United States in 1946 to play professional baseball. He loved America and Big Spring. He served his community tirelessly and with passion.
He was a board member of the American Cancer Society, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, March of Dimes and the United Way. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Big Spring, where he was a past president of the Couple’s Class and of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also was a YMCA board member.
In addition, he was a 25-year board member of the Big Spring Independent School District and served many years on the Cosden Credit Union Board. Most important, he will be remembered for his love of life and people and his warm, gentle greeting of “Hey, my friend.”
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Lilliam Valdes of Kingsland; son Al Valdes Jr. and his wife Greta of Marble Falls; daughter Cathy Cole and her husband Tony of The Woodlands; and grandchildren Zane, Whitney and Kyla.
A memorial service is 2 p.m. Jan. 8 at the First United Methodist Church in Big Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10001 in the name of Al Valdes Sr.
The Web site is www.alzfdn.org.
An online guest register may be signed at www.putnamfunerals.com.
Cremation arrangements handled by Putnam Funeral Home & Crematory, 145 Texas Ave. in Kingsland, (325) 388-0008.