Hector Martinez

Hector was born to Jose and Herlinda Martinez on February 15, 1933 in Pesqueria, N.L. Mexico and came to the United States as a child. He was drafted into the United States Army and became a citizen while serving his adopted country.

Hector married Mary, the love of his life, in 1955 and after settling in Houston, Texas they began their family. There was no greater joy for them than raising their six children and becoming proud grandparents later in life. Hector and Mary were also the proud aunt and uncle who took in friends and other relatives when they needed help. The Martinez household on Everton Street was always an open and welcoming home because Hector and Mary made everyone feel loved and part of a very special family.

Hector was also a veteran of the Houston fastpitch softball community. He was inducted into the Rusk Athletic Club Hall of Fame and while retired, enjoyed watching his sons Hector and Victor follow in his softball footsteps. This softball community gave him memories for a lifetime and life long friends. He then became a member of the Houston chapter of the Pan American Golf Association for many years. He excelled here too, having hit a hole in one in his lifetime, playing golf tournaments all over the country with the PAGA, and enjoying the friendships this game gave him too.

Hector is preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents Jose and Herlinda Martinez, and all of his siblings – Herlinda, Enrique, Elida, Elia, Elisa and Herbert. He was especially close with Elisa, his running buddy whom he dearly missed the past two years.

Hector is survived by his children, Hector Martinez Jr. and wife, Pat; Victor Martinez and wife, Mary; David Martinez and husband, Brien; Ruben Martinez and wife, Consuelo; Sylvia Martinez, and Lydia M. Leal and husband, Manuel; twelve grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A visitation for Hector will be held Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023. A rosary service will occur Tuesday, January 18, 2022 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, in the Grand Chapel, Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023.

A mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 4015 Sherman Street, Houston, Texas 77003, officiated by Reverend Edmund Eduarte. A committal service will follow on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale. Pallbearers will be Hector Martinez III, Alex Martinez, Joshua Martinez, David Leal, Olivia M. Johnson, Erin Martinez, Ruben Martinez, Jr. and Arthur Garcia.

The family would like to thank IPR Hospice for their wonderful attention and care to Hector in his final days. Also, special gratitude and love is given to his children for the care and comfort given by them, especially his daughters Sylvia and Lydia, in his final days. The love with which Hector and Mary raised their children was returned to them a thousand times over, giving them the peace and joy of finally being reunited on their heavenly journey.