Melquiades Valero Cortez

Weslaco- Melquiades Valero Cortez, 90, passed away on Saturday, May 27th, 2017. He was born on February 21, 1927 to Tirso and Toribia Valero in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He was one of six children. When he was a young teen, he met his future wife, Leonila, in Mexico. He would migrate to Progreso at the age of sixteen, where he worked in the fields. By chance, or fate, he would meet Leonila again in Progreso. He was in love with her and would court her for about a year, sending her love letters. They were married in 1947 and would start their big family soon after. They had ten children together, surviving are Armando Valero (Martha) of Weslaco, Hector Valero (Mary)of Edinburg, Aida Valero of Weslaco, Gloria Sanchez (Rodolfo) of Mercedes, Odilia Diaz (Ruben) of Weslaco, Jesus Valero (Maria) of Weslaco, Emma Villarreal of Weslaco, Saul Valero (Alma) of San Antonio and Esequiel Valero (Rosie) of Weslaco, Melquiades and Leonila enjoyed fifty years of marriage and were both great role models to their children. Melquiades is most remembered by his strong work ethic and supporting his family. He began working in the fields as a youngster and knew everything and anything about farming. He was known to the workers as "the maestro" because he could teach all that there was to everyone about farming, from driving the tractor, planting, irrigating, and harvesting. He definitely had a green thumb as he spent so much time in the fields, he became an expert and respected farmer. He also taught his children how to work hard. The whole family would migrate every summer. They traveled to many places, including Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska. All nine children were expected to pull their weight and help to earn income for the family. Although Melquiades worked very long and difficult hours, he never once complained. He was glad to do it. Even though he was a tough man, the children fondly remember what a great listener and support system they had in their father. He would listen intently and give advice when needed. He was a father that they could always count on. On weekends, it was important to Melquiades and Leonila that the family took pleasure spending it with relatives and friends. Faith was the most important aspect in his and Leonila's life, which was instilled in his children. He and Leonila would renew their wedding vows in 1968 at Our Lady of Mercy in Mercedes. He enjoyed Spanish movies, singing, and telling jokes. He had a hat for work and then that "special" one for going out. He also spent a lot of time with the grandchildren. Melquiades is preceded in death by his parents, Tirso and Toribia Valero, his wife of fifty years, Leonila Perez Valero, his son Jose Angel Valero, his siblings, Tirso Valero Jr., Antonio Valero, Manuela Valdez, Maria Valero, Esperanza Flores, and Aurora Perez. He is survived by his children, 21 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. Melquiades will always be remembered as a hard-working man, with a strong faith, and a soft heart who was always there for his children and grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Monday, from 1-9pm at McCaleb Funeral Home, with a rosary at 7pm. Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 30th, at 2pm, at St Pius Catholic Church in Weslaco. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.