ULYSSES – Esequiel A. “Kelly” Valdez, 83, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses.

He was born May 4, 1930, to Sipio and Sotera (Sanchez) Valdez, in Rocky Ford, Colo.

He earned his GED while living in Liberal.

He worked at Ansel Manufacturing, building machinery, driving truck. In Weaver Popcorn, he popped the popcorn.  He then worked at National Beef and Wal-Mart.

He 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, Kansas City, Joey Valdez, Topeka, and Augie Valdez, Ulysses; daughter, Hope Valdez, Ulysses; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

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

• Rosary service was at 9 a.m. and funeral mass was at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses with the Rev. James Dieker presiding.

Burial will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery with military rites conducted by Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post No. 79.

Memorials are suggested to the VFW Post No. 3166 of Liberal in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS  67880.