Mario Orlando Valenzuela

SACATON - Mario Orlando Valenzuela, 41, of Sacaton died on Aug. 16, 2019.

Mr. Valenzuela was born on Nov. 14, 1977, in Phoenix and was a son of Magdaleno Valenzuela Jr. and Sandra A. Florez. Sometimes called "The Beast," he had a passion for playing drums to the beats of Tejano conjunto music. At age 13 he learned to play the drums, and he created the band Conjunto-Bravo-Arizona, playing numerous times at Texas Talent Musicians Association Fanfair in San Antonio, Texas, and Vegas Tejano Music Convention in Las Vegas. He traveled all around playing and helping other bands. He was talented with the bajo sexto, saxophone and bass.

He was a big Dallas Cowboys fan and loved Texas, animals, watching his movie collection, Al Bundy, traveling, Whataburger, Chinese food and carne asada. He worked for the Gila River Indian Community, Hashen Kehk District 2 for 14 years. He was a hard worker, was dedicated to his job and loved to serve his community. He touched many lives. His dedication to the church was also his passion, and he was a true child of God with a heart of gold.

Survivors includes his wife, Rosalinda; his mother; four children, Mireya, Elizette, Efrain and Isaiah Valenzuela; and three siblings, Tara, Devan and David Zuniga. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandfather Magdaleno Valenzuela Sr.

Visitation beginning at noon on Friday, Aug. 30, at the Valenzuela home, 10219 W. Mawid St. in Sacaton. Wake following at 6 p.m. at Santa Lucia Temple in Guadalupe. Funeral Mass celebrated at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Guadalupe. Burial in Guadalupe Cemetery.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.