Victor M. Martinez, Sr., patriarch, husband, devoted father and WWII Air Force veteran, passed away from natural causes at age 98 on February 13, 2021. He was a lifelong El Pasoan, a 1941 top 10 graduate of Bowie High School where he received five athletic letters and was all-district in football and team captain in 1940. That same year, he became the first in El Paso to break the standing 5 minute time in the mile run
In January 1941 he enlisted in the US Army Air Force. Always looking for opportunities to better himself, he became a certified airplane mechanic, then crew chief mechanic, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. As an Army Air Force cadet he trained as a pilot, then shifted his focus to being a certified aerial engineer in a B-24 bomber. He received four battle citations for the following Campaigns: Rome-Arno, Po Valley, North Apennines Mountains, and Rhineland. While stationed in Italy in 1945, he recounted the last year of World War II in his daily diary which the family has preserved.
Returning home, he married Berta Valdés in 1948 and they were blessed with seven children: Sandra Valdés (James Vasquez), Teresa Parr, Yolanda Martinez, Victor Martinez, Jr. (Christina), Maria Marta Rojas, Carlos Martinez (Mary), and Cristina Valdés.
He worked as a home builder, and in 1954 through the GI Bill, earned a BBA in Accounting from Texas Western College and then an MBA degree from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1976. Both Victor and Berta instilled in their children the value of education. After 30 years with the El Paso Natural Gas Company, he retired in May 1983. His dream job was retirement and he was able to do that 8 years longer than his time as a company man. Always health conscious, Vic was dedicated to his avena, pan dulce, elk meat and exercise routines.
An avid outdoorsman, he would hitch a trailer to his Ford Bronco or Cadillac and spend two weeks every year vacationing with the family, or with his buddies hunting elk in Colorado, deep sea fishing in Baja, or angling for trout at Big Lake in Arizona.
Driving back from Austin in 1996, Berta and Victor suffered extensive injuries in a car accident that left Berta paralyzed. He would spend the next 12 years, until her passing, as her devoted caregiver and companion.
He is the proud grandson of General Toribio Ortega, Chihuahua’s hero during the Mexican Revolution of 1910. He republished Toribio Ortega y La Brigada González Ortega then translated it into English and published that as well.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Adolfo and Francisca; siblings Yolanda, Adolfo, Jacobo; his daughter Maria Marta “Marty”. He is survived by his brother Oscar Martinez and sister Carolina Pérez (Luis). And by 14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Special thanks to Don Victor’s caregivers: Mitch Ayala, Josefina, Cuca, and Tender Care Home Health and Hospice.
Visitation will begin at 9:00am Tuesday, February 23 with Rosary at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana, followed by a memorial service. Graveside service with military honors at 12:00pm at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
