Guadalupe Torres Martinez

Guadalupe Torres Martinez found peace through the Holy Spirit on Monday, December 23, 2024. He was born in Dilley, Texas on October 26, 1935. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Silvestra Martinez; stepmom, Pauline Martinez; wife, Dora Escobar Martinez; brother, Pascual Martinez; sister, Julia Saldana: and stepson, Joe David Villarreal.

Lupe’s loving spirit will live on through sons Lupe Martinez Jr. (Norma) of Ennis and Johnny Joe (Elvia) Martinez of Waxahachie; daughters Mary Jane Dlabaj of Ennis and Mary Angie Jacobs (Joe) of Houston; stepson Jesus Arismendez; grandsons: Alex, Allen, Lupe III, Billy, Joey, Joe, Paul Jr, Jesse, Victor, Jesse James, Stanley and Michael; granddaughters: Sara, Matilda, Trisha, Jennifer, and Jessica; 34 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother: Selerino Martinez (Sal); and numerous nieces and nephews. Lupe was an exceptional father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed.

Lupe was born in the South Texas town of Dilley and lived at a Ranch in Sinton, Texas, where his parents worked for the Ranch owner. He thrived in school and was highly gifted with numbers and sports, namely baseball. However, in the 3rd grade, he was moved up to the 6th grade just because he was taller than the other kids, and he was expected to skip 3 years of education and still be on point. This was very disheartening, and due to his struggle in the 6th grade, he dropped out of school. This decision made by the school greatly impacted his future, but Lupe still found ways to succeed and showcase his many talents. At one point, his nickname was “Lupe Douse” because he loved shooting dice. He also was excellent at shooting pool. He loved dominoes and was very aggravating to play against because he always knew what everyone had in their hands. He also loved to play games with his family. He grew up working difficult ranch jobs and picked cotton. He also traveled the country as a migrant worker, even picking potatoes in Idaho. He loved to work hard and play hard. After moving to Houston in 1963 at the urging of his baby brother Sal, Lupe and Dora started a new life in H-town, which was slightly larger than Sinton, Texas. Because of being taught by his dad and his mechanical acumen, he became a well-respected auto mechanic. He worked at the Exxon at Woodway and Sage in a very affluent part of Houston. For many years, he worked on the cars of judges, CEOs, surgeons, oil company executives, and both the Bush presidents. He called George W. “Junior.” He also worked on the vehicles of Billy Gibbons, the lead vocalist for the band ZZ Top. They all trusted him because he was honest and never tried to repair something their cars did not need.

He retired because he could not work due to a shoulder condition. The business was impacted, so the owner begged him to come back, sit, and advise the customers on what was needed because they took their business elsewhere. He declined the offer. They would drive up and ask for Lupe. And when they were told he was not there, they would leave without even buying gas. The management was not pleased.

He was a man of steel and velvet: tough when needed, yet soft and gentle with his love. He had a childlike heart. He loved all four of his children: Mary Jane, Lupe Jr., Johnny Joe, and Angie, as well as his stepsons Joe David and Jesse. They were always on his mind and in his daily prayers. He was incredibly proud of all his many grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He loved being able to support them and give them cash. He even loved his two sons-in-law, Paul Salazar Sr. and Joe Jacobs Jr. He treated Paul as a son and taught him BBQ tricks, which we are all still reaping the benefits. Lupe gave Joe coffee money every month because he knew he was addicted to Starbucks. Without question, he loved his wife Dora until she passed in 2002, at which time he moved in with Angie and Joe because he could not bear to go home without Dora.

When asked how he was doing, two of his favorite sayings were “good and gooder” and “kicking but not high.” He had many stories that everyone heard multiple times.

In short, he was a giver and servant who loved to help and encourage.

Lupe’s kind and Generous heart is already missed,but continued by the many that he impacted.

A visitation for Guadalupe will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Funeraria Del Angel Crespo, 4136 BROADWAY ST, HOUSTON, TX 77087. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 3, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4136 BROADWAY ST, HOUSTON, TX 77087. A committal service will occur Friday, January 3, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Houston Memorial Gardens, 2426 Cullen Blvd, Pearland, TX 77581.