Valentine Frausto Reyes “Val“ passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. He received his angel wings on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 5:23 p.m.
Valentine was a decorated veteran who served during the occupation of Germany after World War II, then went on to serve in the Korean War alongside his closest friend Joe Ortiz. He was honorably discharged on July 25, 1956.
Valentine came into this world on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1927 in Oplin, Texas, to his parents Francisco and Ascencion Reyes. As a teenager, he grew up in Goleta, where he met the love of his life at age 18.
Prior to marrying Josephine Figueroa, he decided to enter military service and was first stationed at Fort Ord in California, before heading to Germany during The Occupation after World War II, and then on to South Korea for the Korean Conflict.
He returned to Josephine after his honorable discharge from the United States Army, and began his family life with his one and only love, in his hometown of Goleta. Together, they successfully raised five children: Daniel Louis Brino, Delia Lynne Chavez, Valerie Marie Reyes, Valentine Reyes Jr., and Elizabeth Reyes.
Valentine is survived by six grandchildren: Cherie Marie Chavez, Jose Chavez, Jr., Elizabeth Marie Echevarria, Daniel Echevarria, Amanda Jewel Garza and Sophia Rose Garza. He also has four great-grandchildren: Robert Matthew Cuevas, age 10; Siena Lynne Chavez, 7; Sevi John Chavez, 5; and Sadie Kristina Chavez, 2.
Valentine Reyes is predeceased by his oldest son Daniel Louis Brino, who was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran.
After Valentine Reyes returned from the Korean War, he worked at the Goleta Lemon Association for 38 years, and retired as a foreman. He enjoyed his employment there and was admired and well-liked by his co-workers.
When he wasn’t working, he was a dedicated father, taking his children on vacations, especially camping trips. He loved the outdoors and wildlife. Valentine Reyes was an animal lover, and cherished his many dogs and birds. He is predeceased by Skippy, Lova, Bandit, Rocky, Aliska, Scooter, Lisette, Anais, and more, all of whom lived long, healthy, and very happy lives.
Val was an avid sports fan, and loved all kinds of sports, especially baseball. He loved crossword puzzles, and doing math problems. He collected travel brochures and it was his dream to travel all over the world someday. In fact, from the icebergs in Alaska, to the great castles of Germany, he was blessed to see much of this world.
He spread love and joy wherever he went, and in return, he will be dearly missed.
May he continue to travel the world as an angel …
Valentine Frausto Reyes, your family loves you!
Services will be held at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 23 at Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive.