Our beloved son, Jose Luis Martinez II, also known as Joe Louie, was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, on October 27, 1993, and entered the gates of heaven on February 1, 2026, at the age of 32. Joe Louie resided in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the love of his life, Dr. Ashley Garza, and their loyal companion, Koda Bear.
Joe Louie was a proud product of Brownsville Independent School District, attending Egly Elementary, Oliveira Middle School, and graduating with honors from Homer Hanna High School in 2011. He went on to graduate from the University of Texas Brownsville, earning his Bachelor of Science in 2014. He later obtained his Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of Houston–Clear Lake in 2021.
Joe Louie will be remembered for his deep love of life, his genuine care for others, and the meaningful, lifelong relationships he built with friends and family. He was loving, witty, enthusiastic, compassionate, and a devoted son. He had a brilliant smile and kind words that could light up any room. His passion for the environment and his love for animals were central to who he was.
Joe Louie and Ashley cherished their life together. They shared a love for traveling, hiking, rock climbing, attending EDC music festivals, visiting museums, attending Renaissance festivals, playing board games, and spending time with their beloved Koda Bear—also known as Koda Baby. The love and bond they shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew them. In Joe Louie’s own words, “I love you all so, so much.”
Joe Louie is survived by his father, Jose Luis Martinez; his mother, Maribel R. Martinez; his brother, Justin Lewis Martinez; and his loyal companion, Koda Bear. He will also be fondly remembered by his grandparents, Alvaro and Rosa Maria Martinez; his aunts and uncles, Norma Chapa, Arturo Chapa, Bel and Manuel Lozano, Ramiro Rendon Jr., Viola Rendon, Rosa Nelly and Armando Sanchez, Adrian and Linda Martinez, Myriam and Robert Triana, Cynthia and Alvaro Martinez Jr.; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Honorary aunts and uncles include Sylvia Garza; Abel and Liz Navarette; Lou and Rosann Huerta; Nell Arizmendi; Rich and Cindylou; Letty and Rob Ybarra; Dora and Joseph De La Garza; Rolando Galvan, Mary Jane Escareno; and Nancy Williams.
He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Elizabeth Rendon; his grandfather, Ramiro Rendon; his great-grandmother, Anastacia Hernandez; and the love of his life, Dr. Ashley Nicole Garza.
A visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, located at 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, on February 10, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
The Union of Love service will take place in the Chapel of Peace at the same venue on February 10, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm.
A Rosary will follow in the Chapel of Peace on February 10, 2026, beginning at 7:00 pm.
A Mass will be conducted at Mary Mother of the Church, 1914 Barnard Rd, Brownsville, TX 78520, on February 11, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.
The Committal Service will be held at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4464 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville, TX 78526, on February 11, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
