On October 9, 2015 Our Lord called home a great man and though we are left with saddened hearts and tear filled eyes we remember Ernesto "POPEYE" L. Valdez Sr. Ernesto was born to Jesus & Dolores Leyva Valdez on December 2, 1932 in Douglas Arizona. As one of 5 boys he learned the importance of family and taught that value to his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Douglas High School Glee Club and graduated in 1952. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1949 and was a member of varies companies throughout his service, he was in Company C 158 Regimental Combat Team, 8th Battalion 40th Armor Division where he was Tank Commander and a Member of 2222 Trucking Company (The Double Deuces), "Always ready to volunteer any mission." He retired from the National Guard in December 1988 after 28 years of faithful service. He was a member of the United States Army Reserve for 2 years. Ernesto was also one of the founding members of the Bushmasters Club. He worked for Phelps Dodge and retired after 44 years as an Anode Shift Forman. He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul, Lector at Immaculate Conception Church and parishioner of St. Luke's Catholic Church. Ernesto loved to serve others and passed that heart of service on to his family. Ernesto showed us all the meaning of true love whenever we saw him with his wife Romelia S. Valdez, who he married on a beautiful June day in 1952. He was preceded in death by Romelia on February 20, 2015. Ernesto is survived by his children: George L. Valdez (Angelina), Alfonso Villa (Berta), Albert Villa, Martha Felix (Tom), Armida Salas, Susana De La Cruz (Humberto), Blanca N. Zamudio (Frank), Mary De Luna, Irene Leon and Ernesto Valdez Jr., along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ernesto taught us so many things but most of all he taught us to LIVE EVERY MOMENT, LAUGH EVERYDAY and LOVE BEYOND WORDS, for that we will always be grateful. He will be greatly missed. A Rosary for Ernesto will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Brown Page Mortuary. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at St. Luke's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion and VFW.