Severo Gonzalez Valdez

Severo “Mario” Gonzalez Valdez, 81, passed away surrounded by love on Monday, September 28, 2026. Mario was born October 29, 1944, in El Portrero, Nuevo León, Mexico, to Severo Valdez Hernandez and Olivia Gonzalez Moreno, the oldest of six children.

Mario eventually made his home in Little Rock, working over 60 years in banquet and event service and management, notably serving decades as maître d’ at The Capitol Club, where he entertained the movers and shakers of Little Rock’s elite as well as national and international dignitaries. He was a careful curator of experience; quick with the light of a smoke and the deal of a hand, but deeply serious and thoughtful about immersive and satisfactory service. A man defined by his extraordinary work ethic, Mario also worked at other city staples such as Ashley’s and The Capitol Hotel, and retired at The Stephens Group less than a decade ago.

Mario is survived by his wife and favorite dance partner, Melinda Bunch Milloway Valdez, with whom he shares his beloved children, daughter Maggie Muller, son-in-law, Lindsey, granddaughter Maddy Meigs Shelton, and grandson-in-law, Jackson; daughter Emily Milloway; and daughter Rosie Valdez Block, son-in-law, John, and grandson, Oscar Evers. Mario is also survived by his precious children: son Mario Garza, Jr., daughter-in-law, Maria, and grandchildren, Maria Antonia, Merry Amber and granddaughter-in-law Bethany Garcia, and Michelle Alexandria McFeron; daughter Laura Garvin, son-in-law, Lance, and grandchildren Elizabeth and Abby; daughter Olivia Heinley and grandchildren Heather, Brittany, Ashley, and Tracy, Jr.; son, Chachi Moreno and grandson, Stephen; as well as numerous great-grandchildren. His sisters, Guadalupe Valdez Gonzalez, Marina Valdez Gonzalez, and Olivia Valdez Gonzalez survive him and treasure his memory.

Mario is preceded in death by his parents; sister Hilda and brother Urbano Gonzalez, numerous loved lifelong friends and colleagues, and special puppy baby, Midge Pie Valdez.

The family will host a visitation Friday, October 2, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR, 72114.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.