Valdemar P. Velasquez

Valdemar P. Velasquez, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas. He was born on August 27, 1943, in Sabinas, Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon to Francisco C. Velasquez and Herminia Perez Velasquez.

In his early career, Valdemar worked in agricultural settings, where he found joy in operating a John Deere tractor. He later joined the City of Harlingen's Waste Management Department and dedicated 28 years to his role as a custodian at Harlingen High School before retiring. His faith was an important part of his life; he attended Galvan's Revival in Weslaco, Texas before joining Iglesia De Dios “El Salvador” in San Benito, Texas to support his son's ministry.

A passionate singer, Valdemar sang with the band Los Hermanos Navarro from Throckmorton, Texas in his youth. In later years he embraced every opportunity to sing for the Lord. He enjoyed listening to artists such as Freddy Gomez, Ruben Vela, Gilberto Perez, and Paulino Bernal, and had a special love for accordion music. Valdemar had a deep appreciation for classic cars, once owning a treasured 1967 Chevelle SuperSport. He devoted time to reading the Bible, prayed at midnight to start his day, danced for the Lord, and enjoyed drinking coffee with pan dulce. Dining at local favorites like Whataburger, McDonalds, Jack in the box, and various Mexican restaurants brought him joy. Valdemar was known for his warm personality, gift for conversation, and ability to make others laugh.

Valdemar was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Ruben Velasquez, Cruz Velasquez, Juan Velasquez, Francisco Velasquez Jr., Ector Velasquez, Ludivina Martinez, Maria Velasquez,  and Tomas Velasquez.

He is survived by his children, Doris Velasquez of Desert Hot Springs, California and Eric Lee Velasquez (Susie) of San Benito, Texas, as well as his grandchildren, Kyla Drennan Wilright (Alex) of Norristown, Pennsylvania, Oliver Drennan and Ariel Drennan both of Desert Hot Springs, California, David Winners II of Hesperia, California, and Genesis Amaris Velasquez of San Benito, Texas. Valdemar is also survived by his siblings, Olga V. Silguero of Winter Garden, Florida, Martha Herrera (Roy) of Harlingen, Texas, Robert Velasquez (Teresa) of Bluetown, Texas, Eduardo Velasquez (Dilia) of Combes, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

The Velasquez family expresses their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Windsor Nursing Home, Gentiva Hospice, and Nurse Practitioner Services of Texas for providing compassionate care to Valdemar.

The Velasquez family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Following the service, Valdemar will be laid to rest at Ashland Memorial Park in Harlingen, Texas.

In honor of Valdemar's memory, family and guests are encouraged to wear something pink.