Our beloved, Gilbert G. Martinez, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, entered Eternal Rest on Monday, January 23, 2023 with his wife, Stephanie by his side. He is reunited with his son, Johnny Harper (Yogi), his parents, Augustine and Eloisa Garza Martinez, brothers, Joel, Augustine Jr., Robert and Rudolph Martinez.
Gilbert born November 5, 1934, is survived by his wife and best friend of 32 years, Stephanie, daughter, Annette Perry (Jim), sister, Norma Martinez, grandsons, Jax Austin, Cameron and Ty, granddaughters, Brianna and Amanda. In laws, Minga Martinez, Mary Zamora Martinez, Minnie Martinez, Veronica & Louis Navarro, Monica Ramirez, Yvonne Gonzales, John Jude Gonzales & Marylou Ortega (mother-in-law), many nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly especially his Prieta Lienda & Flaca.
As a lifelong resident of Austin, he began working for the Statesman as a young child, delivering newspapers from South Congress and downtown 6th street. Gilbert even had a nude modeling gig for the UT Art Dept. He was a Golden Glove boxer who won countless matches even traveling to Japan and other countries to compete and was a member of ‘Bout Time organization. Gilbert graduated from Austin High School and attended Inter-American University in San Juan, PR. He then enlisted in the United States Airforce where he retired as Master Sergeant to return home after 23 years to work for State of Texas at the Governors Criminal Justice Division (1979), Governor’s Budget and Planning Office (1980), Texas Dept.of Community Affairs, Texas Department of Commerce and lastly retiring with the Texas Workforce Commission as Director of Audit & Compliance in August 2003 with another 23 years of service.
Gilbert was not only a wonderful and loving husband and father, he was the most caring son to his mom Eloisa, who he would visit “every” day after retirement to enjoy lunch. Even after her passing he continued to visit her at the cemetery and take her flowers. It was a special bond that they shared. He was always so thoughtful and understanding.
Serving as Pallbearers are Jerry Acosta, Paito-Jose Angel, Eric Navarro, Jacob Padilla, Bradley Rojas, Chanse Riojas, Andy Salinas & J.D. Valenzuela. Honorary Pallbearers: Moe Avila, John Jude Gonzales, Louis Navarro and Robert Padilla.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Martinez family.
