Jesse Martinez

Jesse Martinez passed away on Nov. 26,2020. Jesse was born on August 10, 1925 in Oklahoma City to Gregorio Martinez and Dominga Mares. He grew up in Walnut Grove in Oklahoma City and attended Central High School before he was drafted by the Army in 1943. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and was a feather weight boxer in the Army.

He returned from his tour of duty and soon met Anita Nievez. Their brief courtship led to a marriage that spanned nearly 70 years. Jesse worked at Tinker Air Force Base, received numerous awards for his outstanding work as a jet mechanic supervisor and retired in 1981. He was a member of the American GI Forum in South Oklahoma City. Soon after retirement, he joined his wife at “La Puerta de Oro”. He was the bus driver and picked up hundreds of senior citizens weekly so they could have a hot meal and enjoy music and friendship in their native Spanish language. He loved playing the guitar and joined “Los Viejitos” a group of senior citizens who played traditional Mexican folk music. For their work in the arts, Jesse and his wife received the Governor’s Arts Award in 1999. For their work with the elderly, Jesse and Anita received the 15th Annual Human Rights Award in 1998. They were a magical couple who worked together as a team. Always supporting each other and making each other laugh.

Jesse is proceeded in death by his wife, Anita; his son, Jesse Michael Martinez, and his daughter Paula Martinez; and his brothers Pete Martinez, Sirilo Martinez, Joe Angel Martinez, all World War II Veterans, and his sister, Pearl Gonzalez. He is survived by his sisters: Virginia Thompson of Oklahoma City, OK, and Dolores Diaz of Oklahoma City, OK; his children: Bernadette Martinez of Oklahoma City, OK; Sonja Martinez and wife, Dee Goodwin of Oklahoma City, OK, and Patrick Martinez of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; his grandchildren: Jessica Martinez-Brooks, Michael Martinez, Tia Reagan, Juanita Neely, Taylor Umberger, John Martinez, Jesse Martinez, Benjamin Martinez, Maria Martinez, Phillip Martinez and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the nurses from Excel Hospice for their exceptional care allowing him to pass peacefully at home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to have donations sent in Jesse’s honor to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Winds House.