A. Esequiel “Kelly” Valdez, age 83, of Ulysses, Kansas died Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas. He was born May 4, 1930 in Rocky Ford, Colorado, the son of Sipio and Sotera (Sanchez) Valdez.

Kelly grew up in Rocky Ford and La Junta, Colorado. After he moved to Ulysses, he worked at Ansel Manufacturing, building machinery; City of Ulysses, driving truck; and Weaver Popcorn, where he popped the popcorn. He then moved to Liberal and worked at National Beef and Wal-Mart. Kelly earned his GED while living in Liberal. He was very proud of the fact that he was sober for 25 years. Kelly was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Liberal and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed the companionship provided by his two parakeets and dog, Guido.

He is survived by his sons, Bernie Valdez of Kansas City, Kansas, Joey Valdez of Topeka, Kansas, Augie Valdez of Ulysses, Kansas; daughter, Hope Valdez of Ulysses, Kansas; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Kelly is preceded in death by his parents; step-daughter, Linda Beltran; step-son, Abram Carrillo; brother, Carmon Lewis, sister, Mary Ann; and step-sister, Yolanda.

Rosary service will be held at 9:00 AM and funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 1, 2013 at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, Kansas with Reverend James Dieker officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79. Friends may call Thursday, October 31, 2013 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to the VFW Post #3166 of Liberal in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.