Jose L. Martinez

Mercedes- Jose L. Martinez Sr., 85, passed away at his home in Mercedes on Monday, February 6, 2023. Jose was born on August 27, 1937, to Rojelio and Amelia (Cienfuegos) Martinez in Mercedes, Texas. 

Jose grew up in Mercedes. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Marines. Jose served for six years. While serving, Jose earned an exclusive membership as a Boondocker Supreme, earned by only the toughest marines for enduring a strenuous 110 mile hike. After being honorably discharged, Jose returned to Mercedes after being honorably discharged. 

Jose was driven and always worked hard. His work ethic paid off when he started Martinez Enterprises, an agricultural business. Jose’s company also led him to meet his soulmate, Maria Vasquez. They were married on November 8, 1975, and spent the rest of their lives together. 

Jose’s business required him and Maria to travel between Florida and Texas. Jose’s business was successful and ultimately helped countless immigrants achieve their financial goals. Jose was a great provider and taught his children the importance of working hard, more importantly, helping others. 

Jose was a proud veteran and was honored to serve our country. He was very patriotic and instilled this value in his children. 

Although Jose worked long hours, he still made some time to take the family on vacations. They traveled all over the United States. 

When Jose had some free time, he loved playing bingo and loteria. He also loved listening to traditional Mexican music and dancing. Jose always kept a perfectly trimmed black mustache and dressed for success; a hat and boots were his standard attire. 

Jose liked watching football, and though he lived in Florida for much of his adult life, he was a Dallas Cowboys fan. In addition, he loved driving a nice new car, which matched his clean-cut style. 

Jose retired in 2008, and he and Maria moved back to Mercedes. But, the family was always the most important part of Jose’s life. He loved his girls, but his grandchildren were his pride and joy. So, they still traveled to Florida often to see the kids. 

Jose is preceded in death by his parents, Rojelio and Amelia Martinez, his loving wife, Maria Martinez, and son and daughter-in-law, Jesus Martinez and Belinda Medrano. 

He is survived by his children, Jose Luis Martinez Jr., Ludivina “Ludy” Hernandez (Cain), Amelia  “Mely” Lozano (Lenin), grandchildren, Joey Martinez III, Ashley Martinez, Isamar Serna (Emilio), Genesis Hernandez, Amy Medrano, Jesus Martinez, Kassandra Marinez, Alyssa Martinez, Ruben Gonzalez (Brooke), Javier N. Cardenas, Joshua Moore, and Isaiah Lozano, great-granddaughters, Amara Serna and Gianna Gonzalez. 

Visitation will be Thursday, February 9th, 1-9 pm, with a celebration of life at 7 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday, February 10, at 10 am, followed by a funeral service at 1 pm. Jose will be laid to rest next to his wife at Sacred Park Cemetery with full military honors. 

Joey Jr. and Joey Martinez III, Cain Hernandez, Jesus Martinez, Emilio Serna, Lenin Lozano, Ruben Gonzalez, and Javier Cardenas, will serve as pallbearers.