Pete S. Martinez

There are no words to express the feeling of grief we have from losing the patriarch and hero of our family. On Christmas day, December 25, 2023, Pedro “Pete” S. Martinez entered into eternal rest at his residence in Falfurrias, Texas at the age of 82. He was born on August 1, 1941 to Manuel Martinez, Sr. and Genoveva Salinas Martinez in Falfurrias, Texas.

He was a Falfurrias High School Graduate, class of 1960, lettered in basketball, track and football, and was proud to be part of the 3A State Football Championship Semifinals. He attended Del Mar College and worked as a County Deputy, winning the #1 candidate certification award for law enforcement and proceeded to be a police officer for Brooks County. He later worked for Brown and Root, managed McIntyre Lumber Company and was a Justice of the Peace for Brooks County. Pete was a member of the County and District Clerks Association and served on the organization’s Legislative Committee. He was President of the Jersey Boosters Club and the Lions Club and member of the Youth Boosters Club, Falmont Blood Bank, Coastal Bend Council of Governments, the Juvenile Board, Program Building Committee, and the Bilingual Education Program. Pete served the community as District Clerk of Brooks County for over 20 years. Currently, he was a Supervisor of 13 counties for the United States Department of Agriculture, where he recently was awarded National Supervisor of the year.

Pete met the love of his life, Maria Delia Garcia, in high school and together they just recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. They were always together. You could not say Pete without saying Delia. They began their life as a young, active, social couple, went through middle age where they traveled to places like Las Vegas, cruised to the Bahamas, spent time with their family and children and through their golden age, Pete took on a new role as caretaker for Delia. Like everything else he did in life, he excelled at it, and the loving care he showed was an inspiration.

They were blessed to raise and inspire five children and watch nine grandchildren blossom into outstanding young individuals who he cherished and admired. Pete had a love-hate relationship with the Dallas Cowboys, but had a true love for Jersey Sports and considered himself their number one fan. As a KPSO Sports Announcer, he could be heard broadcasting live games on FM 106.3, with great enthusiasm. He was the little league head coach and, in 1991, he took the first 11–12-year-olds to the State Tournament in Waco, Texas. He later had a little league season dedicated to him. He was happiest when watching his grandson’s baseball games, his other grandchildren’s various activities or in the past, watching his children playing sports for the Jerseys.

Pete was a Farmer at heart. All during his career, and while serving the community, he also farmed the land. Crops included watermelons, tomatoes, and most recently hay. His love of the land was passed to him from his father, and he bonded with his brothers, sons and grandchildren on the details, hard work, highs and lows of owning land and cattle entails. In his earlier years, he was passionate about and owned several racing horses. Many weekends were spent driving to the various races.

Pete was blessed to have a close-knit family unit. He adored his mother, respected his father, and was very close to his brothers and sisters, talking, texting or seeing them daily. Gatherings at his parent’s ranch spent barbequing, watching sports, celebrating holidays, special occasions or just being together were common.

Pete was a friend you could rely on and a pillar for the whole family. He had a large, large circle of friends and all knew they could count on him for anything. He took care of everyone, in one way or another. He showed how to be a leader, was a mentor to many, was looked up to by many, and respected by all. His passing is not only a loss to his family and friends, but also to the community he loved so much. He had many goals to be a productive member and enhance Falfurrias and one of his main goals was to inspire the athletes of the county. Although there would be too many to list, a few examples are, he raised $35,000 for a new concession stand at the baseball park, where a plaque with his name is placed and as the Booster President, he had Jason Garrett, a former backup Cowboy quarterback and future Dallas Cowboys Head Coach, speak at the All Sports Banquet. Being a farmer and rancher, above all else, he taught us how to make things grow and flourish and he took great pride in his work. He gave us all his love but also his discipline, when needed, and he instilled values into his children and grandchildren that they will forever be able to use in their lives. We know he is with us in spirit and will watch over our family in the years to come until we are together again.

Pete was reunited in Heaven with his parents and his grandparents, Cecilio and Cenovia Salinas.

Left to cherish and always remember the life, legacy, and lessons he leaves behind are his wife, Delia Martinez of Falfurrias; sons, Pedro “Pete” Martinez, Jr. of San Diego, California and Carlos (Sonya) Martinez of Falfurrias; daughters, Sandra (John) Sullivan of Dallas, Texas, Isabel (Max) Figueroa of Falfurrias and Marcie (Brian) Wilson of Missouri City, Texas; brothers, Manuel (Yolanda) Martinez, Jr. and Xavier (Mellie) Martinez both of Falfurrias; sisters, Perla (James) Watson of Austin, Texas and Leticia (Chon) Lopez of San Benito, Texas; nine grandchildren, Max Figueroa, V, Jonathon Figueroa, Ashley Ann Figueroa, Kathryn Adeline Sullivan, Nadia Wilson, Bryce Wilson, Elena Wilson, Jonathan Cova Martinez and Carlos Martinez, Jr.; his pet dog, Poppy and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Pete Martinez, Jr., Carlos Martinez, Max Figueroa, Brian Wilson, Joe Y. Garza and Danny Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe B. Garcia and David Garza.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias and Burial will follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park.