Phillip G. Martinez

Phillip Martinez, affectionately called Coach Pipo by many, passed away on December, 2nd 2013 at the age of 82. He was born in El Paso on May 26th, 1931, graduated from Jefferson High School in 1951, attended Sul Ross, and obtained his Bachelor's degree from UTEP in 1984.

He served his country in the Korean War and had many significant coaching endeavors. He is remembered for his intense love of playing and coaching all sports. He was a well known pitcher in local fast-pitch softball leagues and for his "colorful" language on and off the field.

Among his many great accomplishments was truly shaping the lives if his students and placing them on the path to success. His career included creating youth baseball leagues in the El Paso barrios in the early 50's, teaching and coaching at Lydia Patterson Institute and EPISD and coaching the Mexican Olympic Basketball Team in 1980.

Pipo was preceded in death in by Yolanda, his wife of 32 years. His is survived by Phillip

( Donna), Rodney ( Andrea), Larry ( Donna), Clarissa; his loving wife Janna Magee, Ryan & Shanna; Grandchildren; Jessica ( Benjamin), Rhiannon, Arthur, Sarah, Leslie & Phillip, and 5 Great Grandchildren as well as all of his students that considered him a second father over the years. Sincere appreciation to all the staff at Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home Donations to be made to Lydia Patterson Institute.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. With a 6:00pm vigil at Martin Funeral Home Central. Funeral Mass will be held 9:15am Monday, December 9, 2013 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Burial will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.