Mario R. Valdez was born on December 1, 1945 in San Antonio, Texas to Eusebia and Juan Valdez. He departed this life on Friday, August 12, 2016 at his home due to pancreatic cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eusebia and Juan Valdez; brother, Raul Valdez; sister, Olga Santoyo; sister, Mary Garcia; son, Officer Mario R. Valdez Jr.; and grandson, Kyle Valdez. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rosa E. Valdez; son, Michael Valdez; daughter, Melissa Valdez Cantu; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He went to Crockett Elementary, Lanier Middle School, and graduated from Edgewood H.S. Mario was drafted by the Army and served in Vietnam. He was called back and honorably discharged. Mario was hired on at Kelly Air Force Base. While working there, he attended St. Mary's University where he received his Bachelor's in Engineering and a Master's in Business Administration. Mario worked at Kelly till it closed and he retired with 35 years of service. Mario continued to work and was hired at the Bexar County Appraisal District where he worked for 6 years. Mario left the BCAD to do what he really loved which was working on his yard, planting various trees which he planted several for his grandchildren. He really enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and going to sporting events.