Arthur Martinez

On April 23, 1947, Arthur Martinez was greeted by his parents, Julio O. Martinez, Sr. and Esther Garcia Martinez, and on June 21, 2017, his wife of 49 years, Hilda Carrizales Martinez bid him a farewell to the heavens.

Their three children, Michelle Streety, Jason Martinez and Desiree Klaus along with their spouses, Patrick, Veronica and Matthew witnessed that farewell. Arthur was a grandfather and great grandfather to Jordan Streety, Santos Streety, Mason Montgomery, Carter Montgomery, Izaiah Streety and Genesis Streety; Zoe Martinez, Ava Martinez, Rocky Martinez and Maximiliano Klaus and Castiel Klaus.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents Julio and Esther as well as his brothers Jimmy, Roy, Julio, Jr., and Glenn and sister-in-law Peggy Sanchez Martinez and grandson, Alonzo Streety.

Arthur was a man with a big heart to go along with his smile. He loved his family and his church community. He was a charter member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and was also a member of the Guadalupana Altar Society. He had a beautiful voice and he used his talent by volunteering to lead a choir for 20 years. He also served as a lector on many Sundays. Arthur also served his church as a facilitator for a Quince Anos preparation program which he co-partnered with his wife for seven years.

In the community, Arthur was a Sterling High School booster club president, in which he played a huge mentor role for the athletes playing with his son. Arthur was supportive by being there for those students who now hold him in high esteem.

The Hill of Rest Cemetery was one of his community accomplishments by initiating and cleaning and reorganizing the status of the cemetery. It was an experience Arthur joyfully participated in, in bringing peace to the families of loved ones that were interred there. With his leadership, the cemetery was maintained beautifully and the name of cemetery was erected.

His hard work to provide for his family included working as a Laborer in the Labor Union No. 313 for a decade and then as a chemical operator at Lubrizol Corporation until his retirement in 2004.

As a sports enthusiast Arthur played little league baseball and basketball and football during his junior and high school years, number 55 was his jersey number as a linebacker.

Arthur played fast pitch softball as a catcher from the time he was a teenager until his 30's with the Baytown Cardinals, a team started at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. This sport was Arthur's passion, he wore jersey number 11, until he could no longer play.

Arthur played his role as a man in a ""team"" mode, always in a focused and supportive direction with his family, friends, and his community. His efforts were rewarding and as a humble man of strong will, and a lot of patience. His love for good works and kind acts was one he enjoyed doing in the best way he knew how or could, and those works gave him much joy.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Sunday beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be Monday, June 26, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1124 Beech Street, Baytown, TX 77520, with Rev. Terence P. Brinkman officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarcrest Cemetery.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.