Valentine R. Rangel's Obituary
alentine R. Rangel entered eternal rest on August 13, 2025, surrounded by love and devotion from his family. The eldest of 8 children, Valentine was born to Severo and Gabriela Rangel in 1935.
An active person by nature, Val was eager, resourceful and tenacious. He loved working on his cars, home projects, and manicuring his lawn…often competing with his neighbors on who would maintain the best yard. In his later years, he enjoyed tinkering with small projects by his backyard shed, preparing the garden for home grown tomatoes with his niece Lily, reflecting as he sat on his favorite swing on the back patio, family gatherings and celebrations, and Wednesday morning breakfast at the Drop Zone with his fellow Veterans.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Val attended Johnson Elementary, Harris Middle School and Fox Tech High School, graduating in 1954. Val’s graduation was deferred one year due to helping his family work in the fields up North in Traverse, Michigan. The family started working in the fields when Val was 14, first in Marion and Portland, Texas picking cotton, and then in Michigan, and Belville, Illinois, picking cherries, tomatoes, and cutting and thinning sugar beets. Upon graduation, Val worked odd jobs until joining the United States Army in March of 1955, at Ford Ord California after AIT at Fort Bragg North Carolina. Val
went to Airborne training and served with the 82nd Airborne division 1st battalion, 504th Infantry (Devils in Baggy Pants) making over 20 jumps. In March of 1957, he completed his active-duty military career as a Specialist Four. In July 1959, Val joined the United States Army Reserve initially with the 90th Infantry located at Fort Sam Houston. Achieving the status of Sergeant First Class E-7, Val retired from the Army Reserve in 1995 with 26 years of Military Service. In 1960, Val began his civil service career with the Army Map Service and then with the department of Engineering and Housing (SARPMA) at Fort Sam Houston, subsequently retiring in 1990 with 30 years.
On July 9, 1960, Val met the love of his life on a blind date set up by mutual friends. Married on May 25, 1963, Valentine and Maria Alicia were blessed with a union of 62 years, which included 3 beautiful daughters, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Always willing to help unconditionally, Val was considered a surrogate father to many members of the extended family. His willingness to help and serve others expanded into the community. As a lifetime member of the Alamo Silver Wings Organization, where he also served as a member of the Color guard, and the VFW Post 9186, Val was often recognized for his efforts, hard work and dedication. He was always accessible and ready for any task. In addition to love of family, and community, Val was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, and Boxing, enjoying many game nights and Cook-outs with friends and family.
As Val enters eternal rest, his family finds comfort in knowing he will be reunited with his parents Severo and Gabriela Rangel, brother Rodolfo Rangel. Sisters Anita Garza and Emilia Casias and his beloved Tio Juan.
His memories and legacy will forever be remembered and lived through his wife Maria Alicia Rangel, daughters Esther Cervantes (Tim), Elsa Gonzales, Alma Lozano (Arthur), grandchildren Ariana Elyse Esparza (Alex), Derrick Rene Gonzales II, Hector Valentine Hernandez III, Dustin Roel Gonzales, Dylan Ryan Gonzales, Caesar Alexander Hernandez, and great grandson Aiden Alexander Esparza. Val is also
survived by sisters Grace Martinez and Hortencia Rangel, brothers Raymond Rangel and Juan Rangel, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give a special thanks to PA Carlos Mendez, who always listened and took time with Val on his visits, and the Staff at St. Gabriel’s Hospice, especially Adrienne and Francesca, who took special care of Val in his final days, always treating him with dignity and respect.
“I have never forgotten where I come from, and I am grateful for all the things your mom and I have been able to build together, I am grateful for all my blessings and my girls”
-Valentine R. Rangel
A visitation for Valentine will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Road, San Antonio, TX 78237. A holy rosary will occur Thursday, August 21, 2025 beginning at 11:00 AM. The funeral service will follow the Rosary, beginning at 12:00 PM with the interment following at First Memorial Park Cemetery, 20567 TX-16, Von Ormy, TX 78073.
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