Paul Martinez Jr.

Paul Martinez Jr, 74, of Kerman, CA was called home to be with our Lord. Paul passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2023. Paul was a proud husband, father, and Tata. Paul was married to the love of his life Theresa for 56 years.

Paul is survived by his wife Theresa, their five daughters: Lisamarie, Joann, Yvonne (Maurice Rubio), Korina (Steven Wright), Christina, 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Paul is preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

Paul was a decorated US Army sergeant who served in Vietnam from 1967-1968. Paul was a UH-1 Huey door gunner and paratrooper. Huey door gunners were credited with saving many soldiers as they entered and exited the choppers making themselves vulnerable to the enemy. Among many military accolades, Paul received two Purple Hearts as he was shot twice in combat. Paul was honorably discharged in 1970. Paul never bragged about his military service but swelled with pride for his country.

Paul returned home to Theresa and they began their life in Kerman. Paul’s career in the auto mechanic industry began with H&J Chevrolet in Kerman, and then with the City of Fresno. Paul was a Heavy Equipment Supervisor and Lead Heavy Equipment Mechanic for City of Fresno for 38 years.

Paul was also a proud member of Kerman VFW Post 8470 for over 30 years, and served as Post Commander for 14 of those years. Paul helped coach the VFW’s boys little league baseball team for many seasons. Paul also marched with the VFW Post for many years, carrying the American Flag as they were the opening entry in the Kerman Harvest Festival Parade every fall.

Aside from Paul’s military and public service, Paul was a passionate servant of God. Paul was an usher for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for over 30 years. Paul was a familiar face that could be found with the church doors open hours before mass began.

Paul was a truck enthusiast, mostly working on his own pickup projects at home. Paul loved the simple life: family, friends, smooth jazz, being home working on his yard, the LA Rams, and was a huge yard sale fanatic who loved a good bargain. Paul was also part of the morning retiree coffee crew at the Kerman McDonald’s. Paul never knew a stranger and loved meeting Vietnam War Veterans anywhere he would run into them. Paul will be dearly missed by many, but we know we will see him again.

In Lieu of Flowers donations in Paul's memory may be made to: St. Patrick Catholic Church P.O. Box 375 Kerman, CA 93630-0375.