Ernesto (Tra') Valadez, III passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on May 13, 2020 at the age of 42 after a brave and courageous fight against brain cancer.

He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on May 23, 1977 to his parents, Ernesto and Esmeralda Valadez. He was a proud graduate of Mary Carroll High School class of 1995. He dedicated 17 years of service to the Corpus Christi Army Depot as an Aircraft Engine Overhaul Inspector.

Tra' will be dearly missed by his wife, Christi Valadez; his parents Ernesto and Esmeralda Valadez; his sisters: Diana (Isreal) Jenkins and Velma Valadez; nieces and nephews: Isreal, Stella, Wyatt, Matthew, Michael, Maddox and Madelyn; his paternal grandmother, Teresa G. Valadez; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and God children.

Tra' had the most infectious personality and he touched the lives of many. He will always be remembered as a patient, kind, fun loving and gentle man. He has left a legacy that is unforgettable; he will live on in many hearts for generations to come. Tra' was not one to stay home; he enjoyed being out. If he wasn't running, he was bbqing, spending time at the beach or at the ranch. Tra' loved to get together with family and friends. He loved all types of music and you would often see him singing and playing air instruments. He could dance to any tune and he lived every day to the fullest. He was a true blessing to everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Guardian Funeral Home followed by visitation at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 1:45 p.m. in the Main Church, followed by the celebration of a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Scott Clark, Abel Del Bosque, Don Avila, John Garcia, Chris Perez, and Chris Atwell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating: In memory of Tra' Valadez to MD Anderson Cancer Center – Glioblastoma Moon Shots Program, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210 or online at https://gifts.mdanderson.org.