Joe “Henry” Valdes

Joe “Henry” Valdes

February 18, 1970 – January 10, 2023

Preceded in death by grandparents.

Survived by wife, Holly; son, Grayson; parents, Louis and Nancy Valdes; brother, Louie (Jenny); niece, Sienna; many other loving family members and friends.

Henry was born in Odessa, Texas, on February 18, 1970, and grew up in El Paso. He played sports as a young boy, rode dirt bikes in the desert with friends and cousins, and got into enough mischief to keep everyone on their toes.  He enjoyed spending summers with his Grandpa and Grandma Lyles in the small town of Balmorhea, Texas, playing with friends and swimming at the state park pool his great-grandfather help build. Henry’s passion for cooking started young in his Grandma Lyle’s kitchen. He worked at Red Lobster starting in high school, where he made many friends, worked hard, and played hard. His passion for jewelry started when he was young, working alongside his father, Louis, in their family jewelry store in El Paso.

In 1996 he moved to Omaha, where he began his career at Borsheim’s, working with Louis once again. He chose to step away from the jeweler’s bench and venture out onto the sales floor. He developed an affection for watches that brought him joy in finding the perfect timepiece for his clients. He loved connecting with his customers, many of which became close friends throughout the years. He enjoyed traveling to Switzerland for work and learning more about the luxury watch industry. It is at Borsheim’s where he met his wife, Holly. They were married on March 7, 2009, in Omaha.

Henry’s lifelong battle with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) did not stop him from enjoying travel with his family. They traveled to California, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, and Texas, often with family or to visit family. On September 13, 2012, they welcomed their son Grayson Paul. Wednesdays became known as “Daddy Grayson days.” He enjoyed spending time with Grayson and took him everywhere. Henry has always said his greatest accomplishment is his son. He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, especially on holidays and special occasions. Henry has always been a generous person with his last act on Earth; he became an organ donor. Henry passed at Lakeside hospital on January 10, 2023, where he donated his kidneys; each going to a different recipient.

Family will receive friends Sunday, January 15th, from 4:00-6:00PM at West Center Chapel.

Funeral: Monday, January 16th, 10AM at West Center Chapel

Interment: Prospect Hill Cemetery

Memorials may be directed to the family for Grayson’s Education Fund.

23 Comments

  • Tim Horning Posted January 12, 2023 12:49 pm

    Holly, my heart is broken for you. Henry was a great guy, and I always enjoyed seeing him at our holiday parties. The watch he sold me has become even more precious, and I will think of him every time I wear it.

  • Patrick Cawthorne Posted January 12, 2023 4:04 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. A true friend, gentleman, and amazing industry leader. He will be missed more than can be communicated in words. Prayers for strength during this difficult time.

  • Scot Caniglia Posted January 12, 2023 4:59 pm

    I will miss this man. I remember the young man who grew into a great human. Father, husband, son, friend. He was great at all of them. I’m proud of who you are and that I could call you friend. Until we meet again. ❤️

  • Karen S Benson Posted January 12, 2023 5:26 pm

    Louis, Nancy, Holly and Grayson
    This is a voice from your past from one who loved Henry as a brother. Louis and Nancy my deepest love to you both; Holly, I did not know you as well; however, I know how your made Henry’s lovely and friendly smile spread from ear to ear; Grayson, I only knew you from what I heard after I left and moved to Las Vegas, and I want you to know what an amazing, gracious, funny gentleman that you had for a dad. He was amazing and very much a part of my years at Borsheim’s. God speed him on his final journey, where I am sure he will be resetting every clock in heaven. My deepest sympathy, warm hugs, to all his family. Louis and Nancy you raised a true gentleman.
    Karen B

  • Christy Menendez Posted January 12, 2023 6:26 pm

    So sorry to hear. Henry was an awesome dad, brother and friend. Sending love and hugs to you all. Prayers as well. Love you guys.

  • Judi mahan Posted January 12, 2023 7:22 pm

    I am sending my sympathy for your loss. My family knew Henry from Borshiems. He was always friendly, kind and helpful. Even if we weren’t buying a watch, etc we would stop to say hi.

  • Alex Mosher Posted January 12, 2023 7:30 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your son Henry. I hope you got a abundance of great memories to look back on and cherish. He was a really nice and kind man,, I’m glad I got to see and talk with him while picking out wedding bands. Always a smile on his face and great to talk with, he will be missed.

  • Alex Anderson Posted January 13, 2023 11:15 am

    Holly, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. We are all so heartbroken for you and your family during this tragic time. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family from everyone at TEKsystems.

  • Heather Smith Posted January 13, 2023 3:49 pm

    Holly – my heart is broken for your and Grayson. Wishing you peace and that you always wrap yourself in the warmth and love of the beautiful family that you created.

    All my love, Heather

  • Don Dunsker Posted January 13, 2023 4:58 pm

    I am so saddened by this news. Henry was such a wonderful person. I only knew him through work, but he was truly a giving and caring person. He was always totally professional at work and worked diligently for his company and helpful to his customers. This is a great loss to everyone who knew him. He was highly respected by him peers and friends.

  • Barbara Joannes (BJ) Posted January 13, 2023 5:39 pm

    I was shocked and sadden when I heard of Henry’s passing. I was lucky to work with Henry for many years in the watch department at Borsheims. Henry’s knowledge of watches was truly a marvel, many times he would help me with questions about the watch function. Henry and I would talk about animals and his love for dogs. We also shared some good laughs over the years. He will be missed by some many friends, family and his clients at Borsheims. Holly, Louis, Nancy and Grayson my thoughts and prays are with you during this time. Prayers and blessings to all of you.

  • Thomas Koch Posted January 13, 2023 6:23 pm

    Henry always made time for his friends. He was a gentleman and funny as the day was long. Henry will be missed by everyone who he touched. Blessings and prayers to Holly and Grayson.

  • Amy Lazar Posted January 13, 2023 7:39 pm

    Just 3 weeks ago, Henry and I spent over 30 minutes reminiscing and catching up about our days at Borsheim’s together, more than 20 years ago. He was an amazing human being and will be dearly missed. My heart is broken for your loss.

  • DREW TEFFT Posted January 14, 2023 3:41 pm

    Dear Family & Friends, I am absolutely heartbroken and extremely sorry to have heard the news of the loss of Henry. Such an amazing person to visit with and have great conversations with about watches, food & cooking, bourbon and FAMILY! He will be truly missed and my deepest condolences and prayers to you Holy & Grayson!

  • Stacy Zoucha Posted January 15, 2023 3:45 pm

    Holly- My heart breaks for you and Grayson. I will forever cherish the group night shenanigans and many laughs we shared with Henry. I am holding you and your family close in prayer during this difficult time. Love you!

  • Lori Jones Posted January 15, 2023 9:17 pm

    I remember paging Henry countless times when I worked as a PBX operator at Borsheims.
    His customers/clients absolutely loved him and trusted him. I can’t believe he passed away.
    I remember Henry met Holly at Borsheims. They were the perfect match. And then the birth of their son. Prayers for Holly Grayson and his entire family. 🙏🙏🙏

  • Glenn K. Posted January 17, 2023 10:39 am

    Sending healing prayers and comfort to Holly, Grayson, family and friends. Henry was a joy to be around and always had a smile that would light up the room. He will be truly missed.

  • Jane Beeson Taylor Posted January 17, 2023 12:27 pm

    So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing, Holly. Prayers for peace for your family.

  • Rudy Silva Posted January 17, 2023 2:39 pm

    Louis, Nancy, Holly – Henry was one my childhood friends that I have very fond memories of. Countless hours playing football on the side of your house on Isabella Street in El Paso, or riding ATC’s in the desert, or just watching MTV at your house. And yes there was always mischief going on ! We remained in contact via Facebook and I always took please in seeing his many creations in the kitchen. I did not get the opportunity to meet Holly or Grayson but my thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace !

  • Inez & Brian Posted February 8, 2023 6:19 pm

    Holly, Grayson, Louis and Nancy,

    Deep condolences to you all. We all know Henry once first time we went to Borsheims. His warm personality attracted us to keep coming back and learned more about timepieces. He always smiles, jokes and shares lots of stories of his life. This is devastating news but we believe God loves him more. May we meet again one day in the next life. May God gives lots of strengths to you all to get through this time and may your soul rest in piece, Henry!

  • Inez & Brian Posted February 8, 2023 6:19 pm

    Holly, Grayson, Louis and Nancy,
    Deep condolences to you all. We all know Henry once first time we went to Borsheims. His warm personality attracted us to keep coming back and learned more about timepieces. He always smiles, jokes and shares lots of stories of his life. This is devastating news but we believe God loves him more. May we meet again one day in the next life. May God gives lots of strengths to you all to get through this time and may your soul rest in piece, Henry!

  • Silas Prather Posted June 7, 2023 9:50 am

    I had not spoken to Henry since late last year and have recently learned of his passing in January. I am so sorry for you Holly and your son Grayson for you loss. I have known Henry at Borsheims for quite some time and have had the great pleasure of working with him and buying a few watches from him over the years. He was such a wonderful person and I will always miss him. I knew that he had had some health issues but he was not one to complain or to “expand” on what he was going through so, finding out that he had passed was very painful and surprising for me. He is missed by all of us who have known him. Again, my sincerest condolences for your loss.

  • Mike Posted August 20, 2023 6:59 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Henry through my years stopping in to Borsheim’s. and it didn’t take long before he felt like a friend. We’d talk watches and family, laugh, and text back and forth once in a while about our silly watch hobby. Being in the medical field, we’d chat about health and his challenges with OI. He was always so positive, even during the tougher times he faced with it. I was truly heartbroken to hear of his passing. I will miss you Henry.

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