Felipe Martinez, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 12, 2016, at his home in Corpus Christi. He was born March 22, 1925 in Zapata, Texas to Augustin and Juanita (Garcia) Martinez. From 1938 to 1942, Felipe worked as a Ranch Hand to help support his family. During this time, he became skilled at using a mule team for agricultural cultivation and mastered the care and feeding of livestock. In 1942, Felipe enlisted in the Army as a PFC and served as a light machine gunner with the 362nd Infantry Regiment for 3 years. During his time in the Army he was involved in operations in the European Theater in North Africa and the Anzio Landing Operations in Italy. He was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service and Combat Infantry Badge. Following his time in the Army, Felipe returned home and fell in love with Hermelinda Pena. They were happily married for 57 years and had 9 children. after the completion of his military service, Felipe worked on several government projects, including the four-year Falcon Dam Project. He transitioned to the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation where he worked for 29 years until his retirement. Felipe’s lifelong love of horses, trail rides, and rodeos was sparked during his time spent as a Ranch Hand. He was never without a cowboy hat and enjoyed large family gatherings. Felipe had a genuine spirit of humility about him. He spent his life devoted to the selfless service of God, family, loved ones and his country. Felipe was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, and sons Fernando Felipe, Fernando, Fabian, and Augustine. He is survived by his sons, Felipe (Arcelia) and Sergio; daughters, Juanita Garza (Hector), Julia Cantu (Joe), and Maria Guadalupe Ruiz (Joe); sister, Maria Jaramilla; brother, Santiago Martinez (Teresa Reyes); 22 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. The family will be receiving friends and family at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Sunday, August 14, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening. A Chapel Service will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
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