Thomas S Valdez

Thomas S. ValdezFuneral service for Thomas S. Valdez Sr. will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Keystone, South Dakota with Father Timothy Castor officiating. Burial will follow in the Keystone Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Rapid City VFW Post 1273.Thomas Valdez Sr., age 75, passed away on January 2, 2014 at Close To Home Hospice House in Gillette, Wyoming. Thomas Valdez Sr. was born on October 16, 1938 in Rapid City, South Dakota the son of Zeke and Velma (Judson) Valdez. He grew up in Keystone, South Dakota and attended elementary school in Keystone and graduated High School from Hill City, South Dakota. On July 1, 1957 Thomas enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, and served until March 7, 1962. After his honorable discharge, Thomas began working at Hard Rock Mining. He had a few jobs that he enjoyed through his career; he was a truck driver, worked in the Logging industry and retired in June of 2001 from Belle Ayr Mine as a Coal Miner. Thomas enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating and traveling.He is survived by his two sons, Tom Valdez Jr. of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, David (Kim) Valdez of Riverside, California, his daughter, Darla Forgey of Keystone, South Dakota, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Smith.A memorial has been established in his name, memorials and condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via our website: www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716