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BORN
1947
DIED
2015
Daniel Valdez Obituary
March 10 1947 -
May 26 2015
A life long resident of Albuq., NM. Daniel proudly served his country in the Vietnam war. He was a great person who made everyone smile with his great sense of humor.
He will be missed by many. Beloved son, father, brother, grandfather and great- grandfather.
He is survived by his mother Margaret Turner; his brother Robert Valdez; his daughters Camille Purcella and husband Jesse and Kendra Bowen; granddaughters Angelica Garcia, Joslyn Jenessa and Estrella Purcella; grandson Ayden Bowen; and great-granddaughter Michelle Archuleta.
He was preceded in death by his father Efren J. Valdez; brother Michael S. Valdez and daughter Gina Michelle Valdez.
A Rosary will be held at Queen of Heaven Parish, Friday, May 29th at 7:00pm. Funeral mass will also be at Queen of Heaven, Saturday, May 30th at 11:30 am, followed by burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bevo, Ron, Rick, Richard, Joe & Bill. Honorary pallbearer is Santiago.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Valdez
Katherine Candalaria
June 16, 2025
Just saw the Dateline episode of the Mesa missing women, and seen Mr. Valez and his love for his daughter Michelle. I send my condolences to his loved one, and the lost they may feel with the passing of this strong, loving, caring father. He is now joined with his daughter and they can continue to watch over their loved ones...Mr. Valez will be missed by many and he touched many of our lives that watched the Dateline episode, and we all could feel the love he had for his family and his daughter regardless what she may have been doing...may he now rest in peace...
J. & W. Korber
April 29, 2025
So happy that Dan is reunited with his beloved daughter Gina Michelle and her child. Thank you for your service to our country, Dan.
Veronica Holguin
November 6, 2024
My condolences to Dan Valdez Family I was moved when I saw the dateline episode of his missing daughter I cried so much because he loved his kids and grandkids he was a wonderful parent and my heart hurt for him because I can imagine the pain he felt for his daughter Michele like he said they were people too May you Rest in Paradise with your daughter Michele Veronica Holguin Ft. Stockton TX.
Ashley
November 25, 2023
I saw the dateline episode. And my heart goes out to him and his family. You were an awesome dad.
Jim
September 1, 2023
What a sweet, sweet guy. The world would be a better place if everyone loved their kids like this guy did. What a guy.
Shannon McKenzie
August 18, 2023
I watch the dateline episode in which Mr. Valdez was featured regarding his daughter Michelle. And I wanted to reach out to him and tell him that my heart hurt for him only to find out that he has passed away some years ago. I want the family to know that, I'm very sorry for your loss in seeing him on television you can tell he was a wonderful father never felt for him. I am sorry for your loss.
Rebecca
June 16, 2023
Dan, I´m so very sorry for your loss of Michele. You were such a great warrior in trying to find her. You should be given special favors in Heaven for what you went thru. My heart goes out to you and your family. God bless you.
Candice Alexander Lane
December 27, 2022
Just watched the Dateline story about Michelle Valdez. Although I didn´t know Dan, I could tell that he loved his daughter and family unconditionally. He seemed to have a very beautiful and humble soul. May he rest in eternal peace. Sending love and blessings to his family.
Marilyn
July 19, 2022
Like others, I saw the Dateline story. What a special man and father. He showed such love.
Melissa B. IL
August 21, 2021
Just watched the Dateline special and was so moved by how eloquent Mr. Valdez was. I was saddened to hear of his passing several years ago. From his interview, he seemed like a man to admire. I´m sure the family is immensely proud of him and the legacy he leaves behind. My hope is that others watched this man and aspire to be like him. May Mr. Dan Valdez Rest In Peace. God Bless him!
Dr. Irene Blea
May 24, 2021
Just this weekend we talked about John and the work he did on behalf of the women. May he rest in peace & know that we still speak his name.
Laureen Gutierrez
May 23, 2020
Remembering Daniel, loving Father and Grandfather, overall caring person!
Blaise Pantuso
May 23, 2020
Dano. Another year has past and I think of you and all the times we spent together on and off stage. You my friend were one hell of a guy. When my time comes I surely hope to see you again. For now R.I.P. my friend. Once again, my condolences to your family and friends.
Debra Brown-Rawls
January 6, 2020
I saw Mr. Valdez on dateline and I remember thinking how lucky his children were to have a man like him as their father. R.I.P sir you are what ever parent should strive to be.
Laureen Gutierrez
December 26, 2019
I was another who had viewed the dateline story about his lovely daughter Gina Michelle. She was so full of life. Dan came across as an exceptional Father and a light in a dark place. His love for his family and his honesty was so immense. I am so sad to hear that he is no longer with us. He was a giant among Fathers and Grandfathers. You did more than one should ever be asked to do in all of the above.May G_d surely bless those he left behind and may his memory be for a blessing to all who survive him.
E Lundstedt
July 27, 2019
Really nice decent man
My daughters wedding
Blaise Pantuso
May 25, 2019
Another year has passed and I think of Danno quite often. He loved all his family and friends dearly. I had the pleasure of playing in Dan's band Cimarron for roughly five years. He always loved playing music. The people we met playing together was amazing. His talent was immense. I listen to some of the recordings that were made on stage and wish that I could call and reminisce. You always have a place in my heart and our memories together keep you alive to me. Love to you and all your family.
Dawn Ferris
December 25, 2018
Just viewed documentary Somebody's Daughter on MSNBC. So sorry for your loss and belated condolences to his family. He came across as a very caring father who loved his entire family but also carried love & forgivessness for wrongdoers as well while still believing in justice. He will be missed by family and friends. Would have liked to known him. Dawn &Joe Ferris 3024 Idaho Avene in Grand Island NE 68803. [email protected]. 308-379-2770 cell
Irene
July 29, 2018
Mr. Valsez did me the honor of entering his space from time to time as I wrote my book, Daughters of the West Mesa. I was surprised when I found out he had passed away. I remember him as honest and polite and willing to answer my questions. Rest in Peace brave Dan Valdez, rest in peace.
July 28, 2018
I have seen the Dateline special several times now and was sorry to hear about Mr. Valdez's passing away. He said several things in this special that struck a chord with me. As someone else said, he was relentless in his quest to search for his daughter. I hope you are with her and your grandchild now, Mr. Valdez. I do hope that one day justice is served. May you R.I.P.
July 15, 2018
I just watched the Dateline special. Dan described humanity so well. Everyone is a human being. His never ending quest was so admirable and your family will have all those precious videos he took over the years to document your family history. Peggy
Fred T
July 14, 2018
Just saw your story on Id's West Mesa special . Was never able to have the honor of meeting you , but your spirit & inspiration of being an honorable & compassionate man , will exist even though you are no longer here . Hope you have found peace & happiness with your beloved daughter . May you rest in peace for eternity .
May 26, 2017
My Dad
my father is a man like no other. He gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, dressed me, fought for me, held me, shouted at me, kissed me but most importantly loved me unconditionally.
There are not enough words I can say to describe just how important my father was to me, and what a powerful influence he continues to be...
2years ago today
RIP - WE MISS YOU
Irene Blea
September 9, 2016
Blessings
September 8, 2016
I miss you more with each passing day.
March 10, 2016
HAPPY B-DAY
robert M.
December 2, 2015
Just saw your story and that of your family, Mr. Valdez, on Dateline. You were an intelligent and extremely strong man. You had a hard trail to travel.....may you rest in peace with Michelle and your grand child.
Irene Blea
October 9, 2015
Earlier this week, I was saddened to hear that we lost Dan Valdez. It was my honor to have known him, talked with him, walked with him through the journey of the last six years. Blessings to his family for your loss is great.
Kendra Bowen
June 5, 2015
I love you dad! You have and always be the greatest man I've ever known. I will miss you more then words could ever say! Fly high. Until I see you again. Rest in Paradise
May 31, 2015
I worked with dano a couple of times, a great musician!!!! I am sorry I didn't make it to the services...our condolences to the family...Dan Jojola
Janie
May 30, 2015
I knew a kind man, a loving father. Life gave you too many struggles. The short time our paths ran together I knew you a loving man who made me laugh. So talented and showed strength in such harsh times. You always were a gentleman, and I'm glad you were my brother-in-law. Rest in peace with Michelle In your arms and dads hand upon your shoulder. Lover always. Xxx
Margaret Gonzales
May 30, 2015
He will be missed. He was an honorable man with the strength of 10.
Lori Banuelos
May 30, 2015
May God be with you during this difficult time. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with. Gone but never forgotten.
DeAnna Eylicio
May 30, 2015
I knew Dan for many years working with him at YDDC. I'm sorry I received this notice too late to attend any of the services. However, Dan was a wonderful man who you either knew as Dan or Dan-o...I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to listen to many of his stories. God Bless you Dan and your family....you will be missed.
Karen Beck
May 30, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Blaise Pantuso
May 30, 2015
I'll always remember you my friend. You gave me some of the best memories of my life. Make the music in heaven.
Greg Seitz
May 30, 2015
I remember great times & will miss our brother, Dano.
Linda Gose.
May 29, 2015
Dano was one of the greatest steel players that we have ever worked with! I am so sozrry for your loss. May God be with you throughout this sad, sad time! Linda Gose
Gina BoucharddDesoto
May 29, 2015
I remember spending the I night at my uncle Danney house and Camille and myself would sit on my uncle's bed sing country songs asHo lHoud as we could.He always said we sound wonderful. Rip uncle I am going to miss you.love you uncle love Gina bouchard
Jamie Lujan
May 29, 2015
RIP My thoughts and Prayers are with all family and friends.
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