VALDEZ, MANUEL F. of Cass City, formerly of Waterford, passed away December 23, 2021 at 62 years of age. Loving husband of Lauri (nee Warren) for 37 years; dear father of Leathesia (Donald) Skinner, Maria (the late Steven) Ball, Christopher Valdez, Justin (Melissa) Valdez, and the late Christina Valdez; grandfather of Colin, Sylvia, Donald Jr., Michael, Isaac, Frankie, Bryce, and Seth; honorary father of Karisa Elie; brother of Miguel (the late Betty) Valdez, Jr., Mary Ann (Daniel) Kotcher, Bernadette (James) Barnes, and Viola (Rudy) Moran; preceded in death by brothers David, Joseph, and Juan Valdez and parents Miguel and Trinidad (nee Duran) Valdez. Manuel was a 1977 graduate of Waterford Kettering High School, Waterford, MI and retired from GM Bay City Powertrain in 2021 after 34 years of service. He was well known for always finding a quiet spot to read a book or nap. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting and fishing, but what he enjoyed over all else was time with his family. His care and consideration for others was unsurpassable. His open smile; contagious belly laugh; easygoing and easily distracted personality will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Funeral service will be Monday, January 3, 2022 at 10 AM  at COATS FUNERAL HOME-WATERFORD. Burial follows at All Saints Cemetery, Waterford. Family will receive friends Sunday 3-8 PM.