Fernando "Fernie" Valdez, 75, of Del Rio, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on November 4, 2025.

He was born on March 11, 1950, in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, to Juanita and Benjamin Valdez. Throughout his life, Fernando dedicated himself to education — working as a teacher, coach, and driver's education instructor. His commitment to guiding and inspiring young minds left a lasting mark on countless students who will always remember the care and wisdom he shared with them.

Fernando was married to the love of his life, Cecilia Valdez, and together they raised two children, Benjamin Valdez (Yanakany) and Roxanne Valdez (Miguel Reyes). He was a proud grandfather to Amanda Valdez, Erin Valdez, Destinie Aguilar, Dezirae Aguilar, Sophia Valdez, Benjamin Valdez Jr., and Mikaela Reyes, and a loving great-grandfather to Mya, Logan, and Elijah Rangel. His family was his greatest pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita and Benjamin Valdez.

Fernando will be remembered as the best person — well-known, deeply respected, and endlessly caring. He always took care of his family and never let them forget how much they meant to him. Beyond his home, he touched the lives of so many students, treating them as his own and ensuring they always felt valued and supported. His kindness, strength, and love will live on in every heart he touched.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 PM, at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 2020 N. Bedell Ave, Del Rio, Texas.

The visitation will continue on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 509 W. Garza St, Del Rio, Texas.

Interment will follow at San Felipe Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Martin Sandate, Jesse Cardenas, Benjamin Valdez Jr., Al Soto, Ruben Rodriguez, and Oscar Cardenas.

"A life that touched the hearts of others lives on forever."

You will forever be missed and loved — gone but never forgotten.