Larkey D Valdez

Jose Larkin Delfido Valdez was born in Tapicitos, New Mexico to Joseph and Elvira Abeyta Valdez, he moved to Utah at the age of 5.

He graduated from Orem's Lincoln High School in 1955. He also earned an electricians associates degree.

On July 3, 1962 he was married to Connie Diamond of Springville, UT.

He worked at Heckett Engineering as an electrician where he retired.

Larkey was stricken with polio as a child and spent much of his early childhood in hospitals. Despite a lifelong struggle with prejudice and pain he gracefully accepted the challenges that come with life and was an example of perseverance, hard work and unconditional love to all who got to know him. He had the rare quality of accepting every person without judgment.

Larkey had a love of sports including coaching youth sports.

Larkey was a dedicated family man; the embodiment of love, kindness and generosity, with an irreverent sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Elvira Valdez, by his brothers Alfonso "Poncho” and Jose', and by his grandson Clint Valdez.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, his children, Roberta (Thomas) Croft, Roxanne (Richard) Alexander, Rick (Tammy) Valdez, Roger (Kristin) Valdez, and Raquel (Richard) Watts; by 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Larkey is also survived by his sisters Leontina Lopez, Priscilla Mecham, and Adelia Schulz, and by his brothers Gilbert and Wilfred Valdez.

Viewing will be Thursday, August 13, 2015 from 6-8:00 P.M. & Friday, August 14,10-11:00 A.M. Funeral services and Mass will be held, Friday, August 14, 2015,11:00 A.M. At Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah

Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuaries.com