George Robert Valdez

George Robert Valdez, 79, of Shelley, passed away October 26, 2009 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of a massive heart attack.

He was born February 20, 1930 in Los Angeles, California to Casimiro and Helen Lizarraga Valdez.  He attended school in Mexico.

He served in the US Marine Corp as a Gunnery Sgt.  He received a Vietnamese Service medal, Presidential Citation Air Medal, Sharp Shooter badges, Purple Heart, and Good Conduct medal.

He married his lovely bride, Esther Taylor McGrath on June 20, 1998 in San Andreas, California.  They lived in Wallace, California until they moved to Idaho.  He was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Esther McGrath Valdez of Shelley; one brother and six sisters all of Mexico; two sons, Hernan Valdez of Sunset, Utah; and George Valdez of Phoenix, Arizona; four stepdaughters, one step son, eight grandchildren, 13 step grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Julia Martinez Valdez, and daughter, Molly Robbins.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Shelley Stake Center, 325 East Locust, with Bishop Greg Nelson conducting.  The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00 till 12:40 at the church.  Interment will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery with Military Rites by David B. Bleak Post 93 of Shelley.  Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.