Arcenio Valdez

Arcenio “Archie” Valdez Sr. was born to Gilbert Valdez and Rosa Valdez in Gallup, New Mexico on September 11, 1956, the youngest of ten children. Archie passed away peacefully in his sleep March 27, 2023, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is preceded in death by daughter, Lisa Lucero; parents, Gilbert Valdez and Rosa Valdez; brothers, Marcello Valdez Sr., Marcello Valdez Jr., Bobby Valdez; and sister, Cecilia Silva.

Archie served in the Army National Guard from February 7, 1974, and retired March 3, 1995, amounting to over 21 years of service. Archie spent his years before retirement as an Aerial Weapons Instructor Albuquerque, New Mexico. During his early years in the Army, he met his wife Helen at a state fair through Helen’s sister. They soon fell in love and spent 46 years together. Archie enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends throughout his lifetime. He also loved watching sports, specifically watching his Dallas Cowboys and Lobos Basketball. Another favorite past time of Archie’s was listening to loud music and hanging out with his best friend “Jack” from Tennessee. More than anything Archie cared deeply about his wife, siblings, children, and grandchildren.

Archie is survived by his wife—Helen Valdez; son, Archie Valdez Jr. and wife—Deanna; daughter, Bernadette Romero and husband—Paul; daughter, Genevieve Aragon; grandchildren—Mark Lucero; Alex Lucero and son Ethan; Patrick Romero and wife—Erica and their children Jameson, Daniella, and Laylah; Meranda States and husband—Kyle; Evangeline Valdez and children Josiah and Asher; Julian Valdez; Joshua Valdez; Christiana Valdez; Briana Escarcega and daughter Brooke; Josiah Elliot and children Elina and Benji; Elijah Elliot; brothers—Gilbert Valdez, Edward Valdez and wife—Pauline; sisters—Edith Garcia and husband—Joe, Ida Esquibel and husband—Nick Sr., Hazel Gwen, and Marsha Martinez and husband—Jimmy.

Pallbearers: Mark Lucero, Patrick Romero, Archie Valdez Jr., Tommy Cordova Sr., Tommy Cordova Jr., Anthony Cordova