Praxedis Valenzuela Sr.

Praxedis “Pete” Valenzuela, Sr., U.S. Air Force, Strategic Air Command (Vet.), was reunited with the Lord on May 6, 2026, at the age of 92.

Pete was born on May 11, 1933, in Kingsville, Texas to parents Santos and Refugia “Cuca” Valenzuela. He married Socorro “Butter” Puga, January, 15, 1954 in Big Spring, Texas.

He proudly served his country for 10 years, in the strategic air command, including the in Korean War conflict and the Vietnam war conflict.  After his years of service and being stationed at Webb Air Force Base, Pete and Socorro raised their family in Big Spring, Texas. He enjoyed coaching little league for his boys, one of most proud moments was winning the 1971, Big Spring City Championship with the International League Rockets from the Webb Air Force Base. Pete lived a life filled with love for his family, generosity, and a passion for gardening and the outdoors. He was well known for his green thumb. It showed in his fruitful garden producing abundant fruits and vegetables, as well as the beautiful roses he grew for his beloved wife. He loved sharing his produce with family and friends. He loved all his grandchildren, planting 2 huge Christmas pine trees for his granddaughters.

A retired oil field worker, from Cosden and Atlantic Richfield. Pete valued hard work, honesty, generosity, and the value of a man’s word. His family will remember him as a caring husband, father, and provider. To his children, he was loving but fair. As a father, he made sure to instill his values onto them and the importance of family, respect, dedication, honesty, responsibility, integrity, and the value of education.

Most importantly he always reminded us how keep a “Eagle Eye” 🦅 on the road when driving.

He was preceded in death by three sisters Guadalupe Soto, Carmela Munsberger and Mary Molohon.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 73 years, Socorro; his sons, Tony (Roger V) Valenzuela, Michael (Gina) Valenzuela, Jake (Delia) Valenzuela; Pete (Melissa) Valenzuela Jr.; 3 grandchildren, Ashlyn (Jorge) Valenzuela-Guzman, Ezra Santos Valenzuela and his mother Donna Valenzuela and Brittany (Bryan) Valenzuela along with his 6 great grandchildren, Jacob S. Valenzuela, Julius, Catalina, Ramses Guzman and Brooklynn, Zion-Amir and Storm Tatmon.

He will lie in state from 9am-3:30pm, Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Private family viewing will be from 4:00pm-6:30pm with Rosary service beginning at 7:00pm. Funeral service will be at 2:00pm, Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Burial with Air Force Honors will follow at Trinity Memorial Park, 6900 US-87, Big Spring, Texas 79720.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com

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