Jesus "Kachoo" Valenzuela

Jesus Glen Valenzuela (Kachoo) passed away on November 21, 2021 in El Paso, Texas after a long illness.  He passed away peacefully having been surrounded by many of his loved ones just hours before.

Born on May 17, 1939 in Alpine, Texas, Kachoo was the son of Tomas and Leonor Valenzuela.  He grew up in Alpine along with his brother Rudy and sister Gloria. He attended Centennial School, Alpine High School, and Sul Ross State College. He was a gifted athlete and musician.  He played drums for Los Aventureros and filled in for a number of area bands when they needed a drummer.  He played baseball in high school and college.  Later, he played with the Fabens Merchants and Alpine International teams. In his sixties, he pitched for the El Paso Old Timers.  He refereed and  umpired for many teams in the area. He also won multiple awards in boxing.  He served as an “Emcee Extraordinaire” for many family functions from weddings to funerals.

He was public spirited serving on the Alpine City Council, participating as a member of the Evening Lions Club, and delivering Meals on Wheels.  He was instrumental in organizing the first Centennial School Reunion.

He married Berta Flores of Fabens, Texas in 1968 and they had two daughters, Debora and Gloria.  Kachoo and Berta started their life together in El Paso before moving to Alpine in 1968 where they bought their home on Sul Ross Avenue and raised their family.  He was proud of his family and enjoyed spending time following his daughters and grandchildren at their various sporting events including volleyball, softball, football, basketball, baseball and track.  During the past few years, the family enjoyed traveling together to Disneyland.  He especially enjoyed attending the Tejano Music Awards and reuniting with his many friends.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Berta Valenzuela, his daughters, Debora Hardin and Gloria Canaba, son-in-law, Troy Canaba, his grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan, Camryn and Taryn Hardin and  Annika, Jayden and Jace Canaba as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rudy Valenzuela and his sister, Gloria Gonzales.

His pallbearers include Jace Canaba, Jayden Canaba, Troy Canaba, Teague Esparza, Orlando Flores, JJ Gallego, Rick Gandara and Mario Valenzuela.

Honorary pallbearers are Orlando Flores II, Jimmy Gallego, Chris Hardin, Little Joe Hernandez, Jay Ornelas, Dino Orona, Mike Pallanez, Joe Valenzuela and Ben Villa.

The family extends its thanks to the many friends, relatives and caregivers who provided their support to Kachoo and the family during the past few years.