Thomas Robert Valentine of Aubrey, Texas passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the age of 89. He was born in Raton, New Mexico on October 15, 1932, to Giacomo Valentine and Amelia (Tomasi) Valentine.
Thomas graduated from Raton high school in 1951. He received a scholarship to attend New Mexico A&M in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He majored in dairy science, received many awards in high school and college for agriculture and cattle judging. After college in the summer of 1953, he returned to Raton, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Lois Barton. They dated for two months and were married on August 1, 1953. They lived in Raton for 14 years, where all six of their children were born. They moved to Springer, New Mexico and over the years he and Kathleen owned and operated numerous businesses. In each of these businesses, they worked very hard side-by-side. At a young age, he learned to work hard and would carry this work ethic throughout his life. In 2014 they moved to Aubrey, Texas. He loved his lord and savior and his life showed it. His passions were farming, cattle raising, livestock, gardening, planting fruit trees, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. Thomas was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, well respected and loved by all who knew him. He and Kathleen were blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. Thomas and Kathleen remained inseparable for over 68 years, until her passing 48 days before him. The family takes comfort in knowing that they are once again side-by-side together in heaven.
Thomas is survived by three sons, Thomas Robert Valentine Jr. and wife Cindy (Springer, NM), Jack Michael Valentine (Raton, NM), Ronald Ray Valentine (Springer, NM); three daughters, Roberta Gail Morris (Hereford, TX), Laurie Ann Taylor and husband Robert (Aubrey, TX), Teri Renée Pearson and husband David (Clovis, NM); 20 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dora Hartman (Sparks, NV) and Betty Brown and husband Wesley (Raton, NM); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; parents, Giacomo and Amelia Valentine; grandson, Jarrod Pearson; four brothers, Frank, Jack, Joe, and William Valentine, three sisters Maryann Hester, Kate Ball, and an infant sister.
Visitation will be held 10:00 AM-11:00 AM, Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Slay Memorial Chapel in Aubrey, TX and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM with Russell McDonnell officiating. Following the service interment will be at 1:30 PM at Shay Cemetery in Shay, OK. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Charlotte Chism Waldrum and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.
