La Jara resident Felix D. Valdez Jr. departed this world on August 24, 2019 at his home. 

Born on July 9, 1940 in Alamosa, CO, the beloved son of Felix Valdez Sr. and Candelaria M. Chavez Valdez. Felix was a veteran and served in the United States Army. After his completion in the army, he was united in marriage to Catherine M. Chavez on March 1, 1969. The two shared a long and loving union until his passing having just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Felix enjoyed fishing, handball, going camping, traveling and spending time with his family. He was an avid Colorado Rockies fan and was a member of the American Legion. 

He will be dearly missed. 

He will live on through his wife Catherine Valdez of LaJara, CO; son Matthew Valdez of Ft. Collins, CO; daughters Julia (Christopher) Cartellone of Frederick, CO, Maria Elisa Valdez of Colorado Springs, CO; Stephanie (Juan Chamochumbi) Valdez of Columbus, OH; grandchildren Kaylyn Cartellone, Sonya Cartellone, Nathan Cartellone, sister Consuelo (Larry) King of Seattle, WA; brothers Raymond (Darlena) Valdez and Joseph (Mary Jane) Valdez both of LaJara, CO. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.