March 15, 1991 – February 10, 2026

Our dear Adam, left this life on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. No words can express the void we feel without his presence. Adam was a quiet, calm, honest soul and was the true definition of a man of few words. He was a loving son, brother, cousin, and friend.

Born Adam Joseph Valdez on March 15, 1991 in Friendswood, TX. He attended Friendswood High School, graduating class of 2009. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Music at The University of Houston and always had a love of music.

Adam’s love of music began at an early age. Many would consider him a music prodigy, and it was clear that music was in his soul. He had the gift of picking up an instrument and learning any song by ear. He would take it as a challenge to learn a new instrument as fast as he possibly could. His first instrument was the clarinet and he quickly learned and became proficient in the saxophone, guitar, piano, and flute. It brought him joy to play songs from his favorite video games or songs that his loved ones enjoyed. He would tap his foot or feel the music in church and anywhere music can be heard. He quickly joined the band and orchestra in his early school career starting with middle school, high school, college, and beyond. He would practice tirelessly to hone his skills and to be the best player he could be. He would place in any and every music competition from UIL, to District, to All-State, Regionals, and Nationals. This was not just a one time occurrence for Adam. It was a way of life and something he strived for and achieved throughout his musical career. He was first chair clarinet in the symphony and orchestra at University of Houston. He was a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, University of Houston’s Music Fraternity Chapter and a Sinfonian with Phi Mu Alpha, a nationally recognized musical fraternity. After college, Adam continued his music career and was part of the band for various plays across Houston. Not only was he a part of the Houston Youth Symphony, Adam was part of a quintet for many different chamber music groups, playing for various venues such as the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Jones Auditorium.

Adam was also an avid gamer, playing any and every retro or modern game he could find. If you ever looked at his Facebook, you would see many posts or photos about the games and consoles he enjoyed playing and collecting. Some of his favorite games that he played with family and friends were Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Super Smash Brothers. Many would say that the games he talked about most were Sonic and especially, The Legend of Zelda. We know that The Legend of Zelda resonated strongly with Adam; the music was a big part of that as well as the story of Zelda. Anyone who played video games with Adam knows he was a fierce competitor, competing in video game competitions across Houston.

He was also a proud member of the Boy Scouts. This experience helped shape him into an extraordinary listener and extremely patient person. These qualities helped him be an excellent teacher. He taught many people in his life and touched many lives: musically, athletically, and professionally. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others on their musical journey whether it was in the clarinet, saxophone, or marching band techniques. He helped people develop healthy habits through exercise and nutrition. He was very athletic and taking care of his body was very important to him. He ate well, and always exercised. On his free time, he enjoyed picking up games for volleyball in the park. At work he was a leader and taught others how to excel in providing top-tier service and utilizing the software systems at work.

Adam cherished the close relationships he fostered throughout his life. Music was a central part of Adam’s life and it was the root of various friendships he cultivated. One of those special relationships was also a musician, Lilly Arnold. They became loving friends and bonded over their love of music. We never saw Adam happier than when he was spending time with Lilly. Another special friendship was his close friend Gabriel Gomez. They spent a lot of time hanging out together.

Despite his quiet nature, he was fiercely loyal and loved loudly. Adam was a gift and blessing to have in our lives. He will be missed dearly and will live on in our hearts.

Adam was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Ester Rodriguez, his paternal grandparents, Joe and Virginia Valdez, and paternal aunts, Joanne Tristan, Linda Zapata, and Rachel Valdez. We pray that he is safe in their loving arms in the peace of God’s kingdom.

His memory will be cherished by his parents, Henry Valdez and Avelina R. Valdez, his brother, Christopher Valdez with Charlotte Owens, Rey and Linda Reyes and family, and the rest of the family. He was loved by all his family and will be dearly missed and never forgotten. He is survived by his maternal aunts and uncles: Martin Reza and wife Sylvia, Yolanda Guerra and husband Jose, Janie R. Martinez and husband Jaime, Dalia Rodriguez, and Melinda A. Reza. He is survived by his maternal cousins: Victoria and Brian Salato, Elizabeth, Taylor and Ethan Capello, Marissa Jo and Harvey Terrazzas, Joe Gabriel Guerra, Dani and William Fay, Analisa Martinez, Karina, Julian, James Ryan Cortez, Katarina, Jax, and Kaia Segovia, and Kristina Villarreal. He is survived by paternal aunts and uncles, Richard and Judy Valdez, Michael Valdez, Joe Zapata, and James Tristan. He is survived by paternal cousins: Valerie Losoya, Robert Valdez, Anthony Valdez, Stephen Tristan and Ashlee Garcia, Roxanne Ruks and Jennifer Jietz.

He is loved by all of his family and will be dearly missed. Their memory of him will never be forgotten.

He is survived by two exceptionally close friends, Lilly Arnold and Gabriel Gomez, both were very dear to Adam. He is survived by too many other loving and devoted friends to possibly list. He had more friends than he realized, and meant more to them than he could recognize.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family Monday February 23, 2026 at 9:00 am at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home in Friendswood, TX, with services to follow at 10:00 am.