Ismael F. Valenzuela, Sr. “Vale”, 85, passed away at his home in San Angelo on Monday, September 15, 2025.
Viewing will be from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Robert Massie Riversided Chapel with rosary being recited at 6:00 PM by deacon Jesse Martinez. Mass will be said at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 19, 2025 at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church with Rev. Freddy Perez, officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
Ismael was born on April 27, 1940 in San Angelo to Julian and Luisa Valenzuela. He was raised in Robert Lee and attended school there. Ismael met the love of his life, Anastacia Maciel, and were married in December 1958.
He began his career at a young age in road construction surveying. He worked many years for Strain Brothers in San Angelo. He continued his career as a superintendent with Jones Brothers out of Odessa, retiring in 2021. He was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and loved using his free time pitching washers and spending time with his family and friends.
Ismael enjoyed traveling to different casinos with his wife and children. Some of his most cherished memories were weekend BBQ’s, listening to his favorite songs and drinking his yellow bellies.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Luisa Valenzuela; sisters, Julia Amaya, Helen Tijerina, and Concepcion Valenzuela; brothers, Ilario Valenzuela, Lee Valenzuela, Domingo Valenzuela, Sr. and Jesse Valenzuela , Sr.
Ismael is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ana, children, Margaret Martinez and husband Samuel, Frances Chacon, Ismael Valenzuela, Jr., Richard Valenzuela, Sr., and Sandra Zapata and husband Adam; a sister, Christina Correa; Grandchildren, Stephanie Torres and husband Joe, Nicole Thompson, Ashlie Fuentes, Richard Valenzuela, Jr., Reba Chacon, Angela Reyes and husband Hector, Brittany Douglas and husband Aaron, Adam Zapata, Jr. and wife LaShawna, Breyanna Perez, Illiana Valenzuela. and Ismael Valenzuela III, Krystal Martinez; 23 great grandchildren; three sisters-in- law, Janie Ortiz, Frances Nieves, and Amanda Carrillo; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Honorary pall bearers will be the great grandsons, Cato Thompson, Christopher Marquez, Adam Zapata III, Bruce Douglas, and Hector Reyes III.
Pall bearers will be Adam Zapata, Jr., Ismael Valenzuela, III, Joe Torres, Patrick Torres, Aaron Douglas, Ray Tijerina, Jesse Valenzuela, Jr., and CR Tijerina.
Special thanks to the nurses from Enhabit home health and to Whitney Powell.
Courtesy of Massie Funeral Home
