It is with heavy hearts and endless love that we say goodbye to our dad, DAVID M. VALENZUELA, M.D., a healer by calling, a musician at heart, and a curious soul who always looked at the stars with wonder. For 48 years, our dad practiced medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Being a doctor was never "just a job" to him. It was who he was. He truly cared about his patients and took pride in helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Even after decades in medicine, his love for learning, problem-solving, and healing never faded.

David is survived by his children D. Martin Valenzuela, Aaron C. Valenzuela, and Carla R. Beck. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Maria Valenzuela and his son-in-law Dave Beck. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Brandon Valenzuela, Avery Valenzuela, Hannah Beck, and Colin Beck, who brought him more joy than words could ever express. He is also survived by Catalina Valenzuela, the mother of his children. Though they were no longer together, they shared a unique and lasting bond rooted in friendship, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to family. David is also survived by his sisters Margaret Young and Elizabeth Moore. David will be joining his parents in heaven, his father Crispin Valenzuela and his mother Amparo Valenzuela, embraced in eternal peace.

To us, he was more than a doctor. He was our dad—the one who showed us the value of dedication, curiosity, and doing things the right way. He found happiness in life's simple pleasures: spending time with his loyal dog Scruffy, going to the range for target practice, fishing, and talking endlessly about cars of every kind. He deeply loved music, especially sitting behind his drum set, where rhythm and creativity brought him peace.

Our dad also had a deep fascination with the universe. He loved astronomy and often thought about the solar system, the moons, and the stars above. He was endlessly curious about UFOs and the possibility of life beyond Earth, and he especially enjoyed visiting the UFO museums in Roswell, New Mexico, where his sense of wonder and imagination truly came alive.

Our dad had a quiet strength and a steady presence. He didn't always need many words, but when he spoke, people listened. He taught us by example through kindness, discipline, and an enduring love of medicine, music, learning, and discovery. The lessons he gave us, the memories we shared, and the love he showed will stay with us always.

We will miss him more than we can say, but we are forever grateful for the time we had, the life he lived, and the legacy he leaves behind.

At his request, cremation has taken place and Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10 AM Thursday, February 12, 2026, at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina Street. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter. Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com