Arturo Fernandez Valenzuela, Jr. was born on December 27, 2006, in New Mexico, to Dora Valenzuela & Arturo Fernandez. He was one of 5 siblings to Lupita, Jacqueline, Joel, and his twin sister, Yamilet.

His mother will remember her son as a humble, hardworking young man. She always had his plate ready for him after work so he could eat and rest. Junior's mother says he was always laughing and dancing.

Lupita, growing up, saw her little brother like a child of her own. Junior always told her he was always going to be there to protect them. At a young age, he would always talk about working hard and getting money, but what Lupita most loved of him was the respect he always had for his mother. When Junior was going through things he was never worried. He would always just be joking, playing around, and being silly. Lupita would have loved to see Junior grow up and have kids of his own, but God had different plans and now her baby will be forever 17.

Jacqueline's earliest memory with Junior was when she took her siblings, her daughter, and nephew out to eat at Denny's. She remembers all her siblings got what they wanted and milkshakes and the bill was the least of her worries that day. Growing up she was very protective of her siblings. They couldn't go through them without going through her first. Jacqueline says Junior was a caring and loving brother, it was always family first and over everything. Jacqueline honors Junior by continuing to take care of their mother and keeping the family closer than ever.

Joel's first memory of Junior that comes to mind was when they shared a room and his sister, Jacquline, bought them a brand-new TV. He says it didn't last them a whole day because his nephew broke it. They were both very upset. They would say they couldn't have nice things because they wouldn't be cautious of their things. Junior's life had a great impact on Joel's life because knowing his brother was there, he knew he had someone to count on. Junior was Joel's best friend even if he didn't know it. Junior changed Joel's life in many ways he didn't know about. It was always them two against the world, especially growing up and having to take care of and protect their family. There were many times he helped Joel at his lowest, and he was the reason Joel knew he had to make it in life. Joel remembers Junior's legacy by working hard for everything they ever wanted since that was their mindset growing up. Joel and Junior always knew the type of life they wanted for themselves and their family. Junior will see them prosper in this life and the next. Joel and Junior always talked about the type of cars they would get when they got older and how cool they would look once they had their cars.

Yamilet was Junior's twin sister. They were what they called double the trouble. Yamilet has many memories and moments with her twin brother that will forever be in her heart. Yamilet says he would always smile and never liked to show any negative emotion around them. Junior always made sure they had everything they needed.

Sometime in the year 2014, Ms. Valenzuela and her children moved to Kansas City, MO where she met Julio who became a father figure to Junior and his siblings. Julio had a connection with them, his favorite memories with Junior and his sibling was during the winter they would go sledding down the hills of the neighborhood. Julio's recent memory was taking a walk with Junior and talking about his faith in God. As Junior got older, he began to form a few friendships where they became more like family.

Junior's friend David says he was a person you always wanted to be around. David says Junior always kept it real with you no matter the situation, even if the truth hurt. Junior was the definition of being strong. Anything he was going through he always found a way to manage it and keep going. Junior was the type of person to check up on you even when you didn't need anything. He says Junior was the type that even if he was going through his own problems Junior never liked to see his loved ones down. Even though Junior was young, having a conversation with him was like talking to an adult. His mindset was way ahead of his age. Junior wanted to make something of himself to take care of the people he loved. There was never a time Junior was selfish with materialistic things. All he cared about was the health of his family and thankful to be with his loved ones under the same roof.

Carlos says Junior was there for him when no one else was. He was someone he could turn to and had trust in. Junior was in a way like a brother to Carlos. Junior changed Carlos' worldview by showing him the world can be a cold and cruel place. Despite everything, there is always something you can have for motivation and something to chase in life and even when you're going through it.

Yulisa says she met Junior back in 2020. He was the sweetest and caring little boy. She saw him like another little brother. It was always silly moments and laughter with him. She remembers his little dances when listening to music he liked. She says he was always happy. She remembers when they both started working at a phone store together. Yulisa says he was a big hustler and an overachiever so much he became an assistant manager later on at the age of 17. Yulisa says he was one of the best sales representatives there was. She says he learned from the best. She remembers many moments with Junior, some captured and others living in the moment.

Jocelin says he was a caring son and friend. He was always thinking about his family. He had a bubbly personality even though Junior showed a really tough side. Only his closest friends and family knew his goofy and soft side. In birthday parties, she remembers Junior's favorite part was when it came to the candy no matter how many times his sisters told Junior he was too old for candy. When he thought no one was looking, Junior would sneakily take some candy. When we would play card games, Junior was so competitive. He didn't like to lose so he would sneakily hide the cards and every time I caught Junior, I wouldn't say anything because I loved to see how happy and excited he was to win.

On October 27, 2024, early in the morning, Junior passed away in a car accident. None of which any his family and friends were prepared for.

We miss Junior so much but we're learning to be at peace knowing that he is now resting. He won't have to worry any more about his family and friends. In memory of Junior, we will continue to stay united and work hard. Live a better life than before and achieve all that junior wanted to see happen. We honor and cherish every moment we had with him with a smile because that's what he would have wanted. Heaven gained another angel. Together, with our Heavenly Father, they watch over us.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E.  S. Eley &Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .