Valdemar A. DeHerrera

A man of great strength, courage and honor went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 15, 2025. Valdemar A. DeHerrera, Sr. lived to the beautiful age of 105 and was one of the last known Bataan Survivors and POW of WWI and the infamous Bataan Death March. He was born to Meliton and Lupita DeHerrera October 8, 1919 in Costilla, NM and was the 2nd eldest of 14 siblings.

Valdemar lived a full life experiencing many changes over the last century. Valdemar grew up in Costilla, NM where hard work and faith were a must for life. He grew up working on his family farm until the age of 16 when he quit school and joined the CCD program. He then moved to Wyoming and was working as a sheep herder when he received a letter for the draft. He would return to his home state of NM to apply. At the age of 22 Valdemar was enlisted in the NM National Guard and sent to Fort Bliss for basic training. After basic training Valdemar would be sent to the Philippines for what was supposed to be an 18-month tour. During his time in the Philippines the start of WWII began and he was now facing war. Eventually the Philippine Island would be surrendered leaving Valdemar and many American and Filipino soldiers at the hand of the Japanese. The Battle of Bataan became a huge part of history for NM and the US. Valdemar did not take part in the actual infamous Bataan Death March, but did survive many other marches, beating and ultimately being a POW for 3 years 7 months. Valdemar would return to America, after the liberation of the Philippine Islands in 1945 a mere 80 pounds and in grave health.

Even though Valdemar endured one of history's most notorious and darkest time, Valdemar did not let that season in his life effect his future. In 1949 Valdemar would marry the love of his life Consuelo DeVargas in Taos, NM. They were married for 69 years until her passing in 2019. They built a family home and ranch in Costilla, NM where they would farm and raise their family. While Valdemar was working his ranch he also worked and after 26 years retired from Moly Corp Mine as the General Foreman of the Mill Mechanics. After retirement,  Valdemar and Consuelo would spend winters in Alamogordo, NM and summers back home in Costilla. Valdemar loved to travel, spend time at the local casinos and eat at his favorite restaurants. He lived a full life of love and happiness. In the last days of Valdemar's life, a very special person would become like family to him. Stephanie Gallegos from Questa, was Valdemar’s caregiver for the last 9 months and truly treated him with the best care, respect and honor. Our heartfelt gratitude to Stephanie for all your love, support and care for him.

Valdemar is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, and his grandchildren Andrea Trujillo, Mario Rael, Raelyn Trujillo, Phillip Morfin and Jackie Morfin and son-in-law Curtis Clements

Valdemar is survived by his only living sibling Maxine Caraveo; his children Lydia (Richard) Peterson, Juanita Clements, Cathy (Terry) Taylor, Valarie (Don) Rael, Valdemar DeHerrera Jr., Nancy (Steven) Crochet, Bonnie Santistevan and adopted daughter Linda Romero; 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 9am, followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 10am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Costilla, NM. Burial will be on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 1pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors.

The family of Valdemar A. DeHerrera, Sr. has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com