Jose Felipe Valdez

MONTE VISTA — Jose Felipe Valdez affectionately known as ‘Phil’ by family and friends, passed away on January 31, 2021 in Springfield, Mo. Phil was born in Monte Vista, Colo. on July 11, 1935 to Phillip Santiago Gallegos and Alice Gallegos.

Phil was a veteran of the Air Force, he liked watching western movies, going to shows in Branson, Mo. and spending time with his family and friends. Because of his demanding job as a chef at Hickory Hills Country Club, Phil was only to visit the Valdez and Gallegos once a year, he later owned J&J Refuse Service, which made his visits to Monte Vista every few years. Every 23 years there was a family reunion with the Valdez and Gallegos families.

Phil married Rosetta Mansker on February 19, 1973. He is survived by his daughter Joetta Valdez and his son Joseph Valdez, brother Harold (Norma) Valdez, his sisters Selia (Claude) Stieha, Alice Stephine (Anthony) Archuleta, many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Phil was preceded in death by his son Joseph Valdez, his parents Phillip Santiago and Alice Gallegos, his grandparents Estaben and Celia Martinez, brothers and their spouses Toby and Madlyn Valdez, Santiago and Alicia Valdez, Ralph and Aurura Valdez, brother Anthony Charles and Cherly Gallegos, sister Barbara and Dave Martinez

Services were held on February 10, 2021 at Greenlawn Funeral Home-North. Graveside services were held at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.