Richard Martinez Sr.

Richard Martinez, Sr. went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, at the age of 84. Richard was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Costantino B. Martinez and Margarita Meza on November, 1st, 1939. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Anita B. Martinez, his parents, and three of seven siblings. He is survived by his wife, Valerie A Quesada-Martinez, and his ten children: Leroy, Jesse, Rosalinda, Diana, Margaret, Richard Jr., Albert, Eddie, Ester, and Theresa. Richard leaves behind beloved family members, including his siblings, Maria Alicia, George, and Oscar Mario; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army at a young age, serving honorably and with distinction for over twenty years. During his service, he was stationed in Alaska, Germany, Puerto Rico, Panama, and he also served two combat tours in Vietnam. His Military Decorations include Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (6th award), Good Conduct Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Medal, and Army Meritorious Unit Condemnation. It was an honor for Richard to have served his country with a profound heart of service, bravery, and conviction.

After retiring from the U.S. Army in 1979, Richard was hired as Senior Enlisted ROTC Instructor with Edgewood Independent School District, teaching at Edgewood High School for many years before retiring from public education. He then became a volunteer with Fort Sam Houston Memorial Service Detachment, serving on Monday Squad for a number of years. He was also an active Associate Life member in the Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association, a Life Member of VFW Post 8936, and a member of the American Legion Post #2.

Furthermore, Richard was a very active and passionate golf player, having membership in several famous golf courses around the United States, Germany Puerto Rico, Panama, and Mexico. Richard carried a golf handicap of six, and he was very competitive having won several tournaments and achieving two holes-in-one during play.

Visitation and services will take place at Sunset Funeral Home (1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Tx) on Monday September 23rd, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to Noon, with services taking place from Noon to 12:45 p.m. Funeral procession will depart Sunset Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m., heading to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for burial with Full Military Honor at 1:30 p.m.

The Quesada-Martinez family would like to thank Guiding Light Hospice of San Antonio for all their compassionate care and support of Richard in his final days.