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Lucas 'Luke' Valadez September 17, 1986 – March 12, 2024

Celebration of Life

Provided.

Lucas "Luke" Valadez.

On Tuesday, March 12, Lucas "Luke" Valadez, loving son, brother and uncle, passed away at the age of 37. Luke is survived by his parents Francisco and Linda Walsh Valadez; his siblings Jennifer Valadez Ciaccio and Daniel Valadez and their families; half-brothers Frankie Valadez, Marco Valadez and Carlos Valadez and their families. Luke is also survived by his girlfriend Jona, and other loving friends and relatives.

Growing up, Luke was an active child enjoying brief stints with multiple sports. He was inquisitive, intelligent and creative. He played the piano beautifully and loved reading, which became a passion he maintained throughout his life.

Luke started playing chess in his late teens and become a ranked U.S. Chess Federation Member in 2008. Some of his nephews' favorite memories of Luke were the time and patience he spent teaching them the game, which they continue to play. Luke was also a computer enthusiast.

Luke's relationship with God was at his core... during good times and bad. Luke ultimately found comfort, purpose and belonging through his relationship with Jesus. He became a member of the Anglican Church of North America in 2022 and was committed to loving and serving others through St. Jude's in the Mountain Anglican Church in Tehachapi, where his memorial was held on Saturday, April 6.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the church for continuation of their active ministry to the community of Tehachapi. This is their website: http://www.stjudesinthemountains.com/.