VALENZUELA, Dwayne

VALENZUELA, Dwayne Dwayne Valenzuela died April 27, 2009, in Show Low. He was born Nov. 17, 1973, in Tucson. Dwayne was a member of the Tohono O'Odam Indian Tribe. In 1991 he graduated from Baboquivari High School in Sells. He attended Kansas Wesleyan University on a full basketball scholarship for one year. After receiving a certification from Pima Community College's trucking school. He was employed by Central Refrigerated Transport. Dwayne's past employment includes Tohono O'Odam Utility Authority, Whiteriver Unified School District Transportation Department, Hon-Dah Casino, Eddie's Country Store and Circle K in Pinetop. Dwayne had a relentless sense of humor and loved listening to classic heavy metal music. He loved all sports and was a lifetime fan of the Arizona Cardinals and Diamondbacks. "Dr. Dunk" also loved to compete in basketball tournaments in Indian country. Most of all, Dwayne was a very caring and loving father to his only baby, Kyra. "We will miss him dearly." Dwayne is survived by his father, Joseph Juan; mother Mary Juan; two brothers, Wayne and Byron Juan; two sisters, Marilyn and Jerilyn Juan, all from Sells; wife Sharon Dayaye Valenzuela and daughter Kyra Valenzuela of Whiteriver. His body was returned for a mass service Sunday, May 3, at the San Isidro Catholic Church in Crowhang. Burial was held Monday May 4, at San Isidro. Marcus Funeral Consulting of San Xavier handled arrangements. Published in the White Mountain Independent May 5, 2009.