Anthony Christopher Marquez was born on April 29, 1983, in Bakersfield, California. He spent his early childhood in Lamont before moving to Bakersfield, where he would grow up surrounded by family, sports, and community.
As a child, Anthony was adventurous, fearless, and always on the move—often found outside getting into mischief or leading neighborhood games. Even at a young age, his protective nature shined through; he believed it was his duty to walk his older brother to school, watching over him with pride. Anthony loved sports of every kind—football, baseball, basketball, rugby, wrestling, and even soccer, though it wasn’t his strongest. If there was a ball, a mat, or a competition, he wanted to be involved. He spent countless hours outside with his siblings and friends, riding bikes, running the streets, and testing his limits. When he wasn’t outdoors, he could be found in the wrestling room, where his passion and focus truly took shape.
From a very young age, Anthony was drawn to the sport of wrestling, participating in multiple wrestling clubs throughout Bakersfield. His love for wrestling was lifelong—if Anthony wasn’t competing, he was coaching. He devoted countless hours on and off the mat, sharing his passion through patient instruction and encouragement. After matches, he could often be seen giving tips to younger wrestlers, carefully breaking down each movement and demonstrating techniques so they could truly understand. The mat was where Anthony felt most at home. Wrestling remained a constant throughout his life, and whether competing or coaching, he impacted hundreds of young athletes, teaching them not only the sport, but also sportsmanship, discipline, and life lessons that extended far beyond the mat.
Anthony attended Foothill High School, graduating in 2001. After high school, he went on to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before returning home to Bakersfield to begin working at Baker Hughes. This opportunity allowed him to live in Long Beach for a brief time. In 2009, Anthony returned to Bakersfield to marry his high school sweetheart, Evelina. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Amelia, Santiago, and Raphael.
In 2019 Anthony attended CDCR academy, beginning a new chapter in his life as a correctional officer, finding deep purpose in his work and genuinely believing he could make a difference. He took every opportunity to learn, train, and grow—not only for his own development, but to ensure the safety of those around him—firmly believing that his responsibility was to make sure everyone made it home. After graduating from the academy in 2020, he began his career at North Kern State Prison where his dedication quickly stood out. After time on the line, he joined the Crisis Response Team, completing countless hours of intense training, including rappelling down buildings, which became one of his favorite types of training. He later joined the ISU/IGI unit, where he conducted investigations and participated in critical operations. Within the last couple of months, Anthony completed multiple specialized trainings through the FBI and earned the role of range master for the prison. Throughout his career, he built strong bonds with colleagues who shared his passion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to service.
Anthony approached everything in life with his whole heart. Whatever he did, he did to the fullest. He cared deeply about his family and friends and was often the first person they called when they needed help. He loved having fun, exploring new places, and trying new things.
Anthony’s greatest pride and joy were his children. He cherished spending time cuddling, playing, and taking them on new adventures. He always made sure they had what they needed and encouraged them to be courageous, to step outside their comfort zones, and to live boldly. His love for them was endless and unconditional.
Anthony is survived by his loving parents, Phillip and Martha Marquez; his devoted wife, Evelina; his children, Amelia, Santiago, and Raphael; his siblings Phillip, Eileen, Vanessa, Ernest, Nicholas, Guadalupe, and Alejandro; and his many nieces and nephews.
Anthony made a lasting impact on countless lives—as a wrestler, a coach, a protector, a mentor, a friend, and above all, a devoted son, brother, husband, and father. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Visitation will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel, located at 9101 Kern Canyon Rd, Bakersfield, California, 93306, on January 19, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A Rosary service will take place at the same venue on January 19, 2026, at 6:30 pm.
A Catholic Mass will be conducted at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 12300 Reina Rd, Bakersfield, CA, 93312, on January 20, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am. The Graveside service will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA, 93306, on January 20, 2026, at 11:30 am.
Pallbearers include Ernest Marquez, Nicholas Marquez, Alejandro Marquez, Andrew Marquez, Aaron Marquez, Freddie Vigil, Andrew Gutierrez, and Andrew Mansour. Honorary pallbearers are Santiago Marquez, Raphael Marquez, Gabriel Marquez, Alexander Marquez, and Dominick Cuellar.
For those wishing to make donations, a GoFundMe page has been set up at [this link](https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-anthony-marquez/donate?source=btn_donate).
